One of the biggest benefits of the realignment in the tennis ranks is the chance for Albemarle and Western to each play two more quality matches that count. With both squads perennially in the playoffs, a quality match in district play is critical to getting ready for the postseason.
The first installment lived up to the billing with Western edging out Albemarle in a hard fought battle 5-4.
The match was deadlocked at 3-3 after singles, with Tucker Ottoway, Scott Grover and freshman Ben Masselli winning for the Warriros while Charlie Shepherd, Joey Michel and Sahil Patel won for the Patriots.
Albemarle’s Jake Brooks and Shephard took the No. 1 doubles clash with a 10-2 victory, forcing Western into a corner—win the last two doubles points or Albemarle gets the victory. Western’s Patrick Hicks and Andrew O’Leary won 10-8 at No. 3 doubles to set up the rubber match at No. 2 where Andrew Ern and Masselli were taking on Joey Michel and David Grbic. Ern and Masselli prevailed, lifting Western to the win.
Western Albemarle 5, Albemarle 4
Singles
Tucker Ottaway def. Jake Brooks: 10-6 (WAHS)
Charlie Shepherd def. Joe Squillace: 10-7 (AHS)
Scott Grover def. David Grbic: 10-8 (WAHS)
Joey Michel def. Andrew Ern: 10-6 (AHS)
Ben Masselli def. Doyop Kim: 10-3 (WAHS)
Sahil Patel def. Deven Barkley: 11-10(7-4) (AHS)
Doubles
Jake Brooks/Charlie Shepherd def. Tucker Ottaway/Scott Grover: 10-2 (AHS)
Andrew Ern/Ben Masselli def. Joey Michel/David Grbic: 10-8 (WAHS)
Patrick Hicks/Andrew O’leary def. Sahil Patel/Daniel Wannenburgh: 10-8 (WAHS)
