BIG BLUE ON TRACK AGAIN, ..., "MO" ROLLS UP TO SPEED.

The Big Blue Machine that the Swampscott Boy's Varsity Tennis Team is becoming rolled on today at The Middle School courts. Following last Thursday's speed bump in the form of the LC no - show, this Monday turned out to be sunny and warmer and a great day for Big Blue to play. We hosted Coach Devin Carr's Beverly Varsity. They are a well coached group with talent, but the burgeoning flywheel, that is the Big Blue Varsity, has, so far, been ready for all whom they have faced, and they rolled onto The Middle School Courts and over the challengers from Beverly , 4 - 1, advancing our record to, 6 - 0.

Clearly, Matt Jacobs, our Freshman First Singles stalwart is the locomotive that drives these young men to the level of achievement you see. There is an atmosphere of confidence that surrounds their play. It is engendered and supported, at least in part, by Matt's work ethic and the hours of practice, (special thanks to his parents), that lead to his consistent performance on court.

Another victory for Jacobs:     6 - 0     6 - 0

Val Temin fires the fuel that powers Big Blue Tennis. I have written of his skill as shepherd; he brings intensity and heat to the court, as well. His combination of athletic ability and tactical prescience is a gift rarely seen, and it carries the day again and again. Today, he kept it simple. As his match developed, he saw that a talented opponent was susceptible to his own impatience and inflated expectation. Val absorbed the power of his shots, and like one of the Borg, assimilated the agression against him and turned it to his advantage. He methodically manuvered his victim around the confines of the court, and took advantage of the errors, closing out the match as he has done five times before. Six of Six.  

Another victory for Temin:      6 - 0     6 - 0

Our Doubles teams, too, are integral to the machine. Sam Crimmins and Matt Gilberg are bonded and continue to master the doubles court. They appear to have gained an advanced understanding of the strategy to hit shots with purpose -- to develop the point so as to put their oppponent into difficulty with a well placed shot and then anticipate the weak return, cover it, and use it for a winner. Their intelligence and skill prevailed again today.

Victory to Crimmins and Gilberg:     6 - 1     6 - 1

Sam's brother, Ian, and our versatile, Mike Pindrus, help shape the wheel. They, too, are growing to see the geometry of the doubles game. More, they are using the aforementioned confidence to confound opponents and provide integral victories at Second Doubles.

Victory to Crimmins and Pindrus:     6 - 1     6 - 4

I believe the others on the team are gaining valuable experience seeing these young men play and practicing with them. I see them attempt and execute the strategy and skills that we have developed in practice. Sam Carmosino and Moevan Dennis have already demonstrated, in other matches, that they can execute and win. Erick Eaton and Tyler Gateman are learning to do the same, and I expect that their skills will become evident as we progress through the season. I hope you have taken time to see the guys play. If you have not, come to the next match and see for yourself.

CW