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Senior Sammy Larson put the Cavaliers on the board with a win at #3 singles. Glenelg answered with wins from their #1 and #2 singles. Spaldings freshmen Ryan McFarland (#1 singles) and Joey Henault (#2 singles) played solid matches against Glenelg's Senior and Junior MIAA individual Champions.
With Spalding junior Benton Davies sidelined with the flu, Junior Connor Strong stepped in at #2 doubles. Playing in his first high school match, Strong joined senior Stephen Hartig on the court. Hartig, showing just why he was named team co-captain, lead his new partner to a win that squared the match at 2-2.
It all came down to the final match. Junior Matt Laukitus paired with senior co-captain Pat O'Friel at #1 doubles. Glenelg came out strong winning the first set and showed no signs of weakening. A large crowd, that included Spalding Athletic Director Lee Dove, had gathered to watch the Championship match and the tension was palpable. First year head coach Jim Lopez talked things over with O'Friel and Laukitus between sets. A veteran coach with numerous Championships to his credit, Lopez is no stranger to this type of situation. His coaching paid immediate dividends as O'Friel and Laukitus mounted a comeback to win the second set and force a third tie-breaker set in the Championship deciding match. Glenelg put up a major challenge, but they couldn't stop the momentum. The typically reserved tennis fans bust into cheers as O'Friel and Laukitus scored the final point to seal the match.
Spalding finished the year with a 10-0 record, a Conference Championship and two Individual Championships: Sammy Larson at #3 singles and Pat O'Friel and Benton Davies at #1 doubles. Glenelg finished with an 8-2 record, (both losses to Spalding) and three Individual Championships: #1 singles, #2 singles and #2 doubles. The two teams have met in the last two Conference Championship Matches, with Glenelg winning in 2008.
Coach Lopez credited graduating seniors O'Friel, Hartig and Larson for their leadership of a young Spalding team. "I'm especially happy for Pat (O'Friel), Stephen (Hartig) and Sammy (Larson). They really took the leadership role when we needed it the most. They deserve to go out on top.", Lopez said.
On the last minute substitution, Lopez commented, "Benton (Davies) [being out with the flu] was a real problem. He's one of our best players. It was great to see Matt (Laukitus) step up the way he did. I was pretty confident that Connor (Strong) would do well. I've really been impressed with his game and his competitiveness. He always practices hard and I knew he was prepared."
Coach Lopez took a moment to talk about next year, "Joey (Henault) and Ryan (McFarland) playing at the top spots as freshmen says alot about where this team is going. We've got a strong freshmen class with Jay Bradshaw and the Sharpe brothers, Ryan and Stephen. And Ryan Collins is really coming along. He's developing a strong game. Also, Chris Wiley and Charlie Lane will be Juniors next year. I see them developing and being a big part of this team."
But for know the Spalding tennis team will enjoy the victory and make plans to add "2009" to the Championship banner that hangs in the schools Gymnasium.
But for know the Spalding tennis team will enjoy the victory and make plans to add "2009" to the Championship banner that hangs in the schools Gymnasium.
