Mount Greylock Boys Fall in State Semi-Final
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- The fact that almost every member of the Mount Greylock boys tennis team on the court for Monday’s state semi-final will be back next spring did not make the Mounties’ 5-0 loss to Hopedale hurt any less.
But it makes the future look pretty bright in Williamstown.
“This is a good one because it pushes a few of them to work harder on their game,” Mount Greylock coach Stephen Bryant said. “I’m sure they’ll work hard throughout the summer and look forward to next season starting up soon.”
The Mounties (12-2) were in the state semi-finals for the third straight year, this time facing a different Central Mass opponent in Hopedale, which upended higher-seeded Whitinsville Christian -- Mount Greylock’s nemesis the last two years -- in the sectional final.
Hopedale wasted no time beating the heat and the Mounties on the West Springfield High School hardcourts, winning all five matches in straight sets.
The closest match came at second singles, where Brady Foehl battled Matt Costanza to a 6-3, 6-4 decision.
By the time that final was recorded, the team score already was decided, and match officials, in a nod to the 90-degree temperatures, had decided that the No. 2 singles match would not go to a third set even if Foehl had rallied to tie it.
Mitch Siefring defeated Jacob Fink at first singles, 6-3, 6-1, and Jack Figgins topped the Mounties’ lone graduating senior in action, Josh Narey, 6-2, 6-3, at third singles.
In doubles play, Sam Dils and Toby Foehl lost, 6-3, 6-2 at No. 1, and Gabe Gerry and Luke Swann fell, 6-3, 6-1, at No. 2.
“They’re a deep team,” Bryant said of Hopedale. “They’re strong at every spot. They’re strong athletes. They get to every ball. It was hard to hit one by them, definitely.”
Hopedale advances to Thursday’s state final against North Sectional winner Weston, which advanced past Dover-Sherborn on Monday, 3-2.