Clarkston’s boys tennis team took an 8-0 sweep in its season opener against Auburn Hills Avondale April 2.
Chris Graczyk (6-3, 6-1), Zach Kerr (3-6, 6-3, 6-4), Brett McMillen (6-1, 7-4) and Eric Ejups (6-1, 4-6, 6-0) took victories on the singles side.
Derek Boatman and Jason Dutcher, as well as Adam Drews and Chuck Smith won 6-0 and 6-1 for the Wolves? doubles team. Scott Dutcher and Matthew Graczyk won 6-3, 6-3, and James Chun and A.J. Tigue posted a 6-4, 6-4 win.
‘It was a decent match,? Clarkston coach Charles Claus said.
‘We had some battles, it wasn’t a walk-off. It exposed some things we need to work on, which is what you hope for in a first match.?
Claus said service consistency and volleying will need improvement.
‘It was good to get the kids in competition and for the rookie, it was nice to get their first victories out of the way.?
The Wolves? biggest adjustment, Claus said, was adjusting to the outdoor conditions of the courts after spending a great deal of time indoors during the preseason.
‘Some of the kids want to hit the same as they do indoors. Because of the wind, it took a while for some of them to get into a rhythm.?
The team is in the midst of a week-and-a-half spring break. Their two contests after their opener versus the Yellow Jackets were postponed due to weather conditions.
‘The break isn’t anyone’s favorite. It’s very tough to work this hard, get one match in and take 10 days off and then come back here and have the bulk of your league matches. It’s an inconvenience that all the schools deal with,? Claus said.
After their return, the boys travel to Troy Athens April 17 and then to Rochester April 19. Look for the results online at www.clarkstonnews.com or the print edition of The Clarkston News.