King Philip Boys Tennis Hoping to Return To Top Form

Despite finishing last season at 15-5, the King Philip boys tennis team was unable to capture the Hockomock League Championship. 

The Warriors, who won the title two years ago, would very much like to regain the top spot in the Hock by advancing to their seventh straight tournament appearance.

In order to achieve that goa,l the Warrior racketeers will have to do so without four of last season’s starters. KP has graduated number one singles player Alex Stalley, number three singles player Matt McCarthy and two doubles players in Caleb Fields (first doubles) and Mike Zagieboylo (second doubles).

While things may look bleak on paper, coach Laurie Puddester and her squad thinks that is the furthest from the truth.

 “Losing four out of your seven players is never easy. It’ll be tough, I’ll be the first to admit it,” the coach said. “But our players knew that there would be openings with the departures, and they’ve worked had to improve their game into this year. I’m very encouraged.”

Although the season is only days away, Puddester is still mulling over the possibilities of her starting seven. Singles looks to be set, but in doubles the coach is still toying over which tandems work best together. In the mix to secure a spot on one of the two doubles teams are Christian Gonser, first-year player Ian Pimental, Jon Marinelli, Chad O’Neil, Cameron Lyons and Paul Brescia.

On the singles circuit, junior co-captain Mike McCarthy, who saw action in the second singles spot, will move up to become the team’s top dog and play first singles. The upward movement should have no effect whatsoever on McCarthy.

“I see no problem at all with Mike fitting into the number one singles spot,” Puddester said. “He plays USTA tournaments, and tennis is his sport. He’s a very solid singles player and will hold his own there.”

Following McCarthy at second singles will be the team's other captain, Tom Eaton, a Hockomock All Star last year. According to his coach, Eaton is an all-around player with solid net play.

 Both athletes will not only provide leadership to the younger players, but will also showcase their skills as examples of the benefits of hard work.

Rounding out singles will be Tom Yang, who saw some action on the varsity level last spring. Thus far, Yang has looked to improve his game from a year ago and now has the opportunity to play singles.

Puddester likes what she had seen in the early goings of tryouts, but knows nothing can be taken for granted in the league.

“The Hockomock is very strong from top to bottom,” the coach said. “The first few weeks of the season will definitely be a challenge and will determine just how good we can be."