Birthdays come and go, but sweet intra-league victories will be cherished. Clarkston No. 1 doubles player Chris Graczyk celebrated his birthday last Thursday and promptly went out and made his coach’s wish come true. Graczyk scored a 6-4, 6-2 win, one of two Clarkston victories in singles play, over Matt Nordstrom, leading a 5-3 Wolves? victory.
‘Chris played really well. (Nordstrom) was a real battler and Chris really went after him and played on his own terms and was dominant,? Clarkston coach Chaz Claus said.
Erik Ejups won 6-1, 6-0 at No. 4 singles over Pat Duronio.
‘Erik did what he’s done all year and moved his opponent well. Sometimes when you’re up big, it’s easy to have a mental lapse. He did a nice job of staying focused and delivering that point for us,? Claus said.
The Wolves took three of four matches in doubles contention. The No. 2 doubles team of Derek Boatman and Jason Dutcher won 5-7, 7-5, 6-4; No. 3 James Chun and A.J. Tigue won 2-6, 6-4, 6-4; and No. 4 Adam Drews and Chuck Smith won 6-1, 6-3.
‘Their play (doubles teams) improved, but we’re still not where we need to be. But we did play the best we have at doubles, that was nice to see,? Claus said.
The improved play from the teams was pivotal to the Wolves? season, Claus said.
‘OAA II is going to be even and in matches like that, there are a lot of ties. It’s huge toward our league standings to win rather than tying.?