With just the right mix of strong leadership and interesting characters, the Lake Orion High School boys varsity tennis team could make some noise this season.
The team is already off to a 3-1 start in dual meet action, including a 2-1 mark in league action.
‘So far we’ve been pretty strong,? said coach Eric Bracciano, whose team is competing in the OAA II.
Rochester Adams is the favorite to repeat as league champs, and lived up to that billing in a 8-0 victory over the Dragons on April 6.
Bracciano believes his team is a strong contender to finish right behind Adams.
‘Our singles might be a little stronger than our doubles,? he said. ‘We’re a senior-dominated team this year with eight seniors.?
The team beat Berkley and Clarkston in league action, and will still face Rochester, Troy Athens and Farmington in the coming weeks.
The team also started it’s tournament season strong, winning the Sterling Heights Invite in impressive fashion on April 8.
Mike Zach took first place at #1 singles and Cham Zhao did the same at #4 singles.
Three of the doubles teams also took first place titles, with the #1 team placing second.
Mark Eden took fifth place at #2 singles and Peter Tineti took third place at #3 singles, to round out the scoring for LO.
‘I’m hoping we can also win the next two weekend tournaments we’re in,? Bracciano said.
Lake Orion will play in the Fenton Tournament in late April, and the Athens Tennis Relays in mid-May.
‘I think it gives us an edge in tournament play at the end of the year,? Bracciano said, hoping his team’s results will translate into success at the league and regional meets.
Bracciano said a trip to the state meet is a possibility. The team will need to acquire 18 points (one for each LO victory) in the regional at Rochester.
That regional will be held May 18-19, and features strong teams in Birmingham Brother Rice and West Bloomfield.