Second-ranked Hamilton Southeastern’s dream season has finally ended. After upsetting No. 1 host Carmel at sectionals, 3-2, it looked like HSE might have a legitimate shot at a state title.

A pesky ninth-ranked Center Grove squad, however, got in the way. The Trojans upset HSE, 3-2, in a rain-delayed North Central (Indianapolis) Semistate match that qualified them for the revamped eight-team state finals.

Here’s a recap of that semistate showdown plus a look back on the Royals’ standout season from HSE coach Mark Woldmoe … with just a little editing:

It was a very intense semistate match. HSE got things going at the No. 2 doubles position of senior Michael Farley and junior Max Crouse. They jumped all over Center Grove senior Mark Canner and junior Austin Reddell and were quickly off the court with a 6-2, 6-0 thumping. Farley and Crouse finished the season undefeated at 25-0. Wow! What a way to go out, Farley.

Next, freshman Zac DeFonce got a “W” at the No. 3 singles position, easily dismantling Center Grove sophomore Matt Buchannon by a score of 6-2, 6-2. 

With three matches on, things looked to be in control for HSE. But Center Grove won all three first sets of the three matches left, and things started getting interesting. 

Senior Kulkarni was the first of the last Royals’ trio to go down, losing 6-2, 6-2 to Trojan freshman Lucas Anderson. After playing his best match of the season two days prior (in HSE’s 5-0 regional championship victory over Guerin Catholic, a win that followed a 4-1 semifinal win over fifth-ranked host North Central), Nikhil came out a little flat and wasn’t his consistent self. 

Freshman Alex Woldmoe and senior Chris Johnson had lost the first set at No. 1 doubles 6-3, but were up 3-0 in the second set. They fought hard against CG seniors Caleb Fellers and Cameron Hardin but couldn’t maintain their service break and ended up losing a very tough 9-7 tiebreaker. 

Here we were at 2-2 and junior Austin Woldmoe down a set at the No. 1 singles position. It had only been a week since this same scenario was played out at sectional against Carmel’s Mihir Kumar. Austin battled back here, winning the second set 6-3 to force a third set.

Unfortunately, this one didn’t turn out the way we wanted as Center Grove senior Justin Spicer came out on top, 7-6, in the third. 

I want to say to all the players on this team – especially seniors Chris, Michael, and Nikhil – you all have taught me more than you could possibly know. It has been a great privilege to work with all of you. I hope you all got as much out of this amazing season as I have. 

To assistant coach Kirk Webber, aka K-Web, next year won’t be here soon enough. To assistant coach Doug Gernert, thank you for all your help!

The individual semistate results:

#9 Center Grove 3, #2 Hamilton Southeastern 2 
No. 1 singles: Justin Spicer (CG) def. Austin Woldmoe 7-5, 3-6, 7-6
No. 2 singles: Lucas Anderson (CG) def. Nikhil Kulkarni 6-2, 6-2
No. 3 singles: Zac DeFonce (HSE) def. Matt Buchannon 6-2, 6-2
No. 1 doubles: Caleb Fellers/Cameron Hardin (CG) def. Chris Johnson/Alex Woldmoe 6-3, 7-6
No. 2 doubles: Michael Farley/Max Crouse (HSE) def. Mark Canner/Austin Reddell 6-2, 6-0

Finally, here’s a heartfelt recap of the HSE starters’ seasons, courtesy of coach Woldmoe:

Singles
Undefeated senior captain Michael Farley finished his season with a 25-0 record. He was also a two-year captain. Great career, Michael!

Senior Chris Johnson finished his career off with a record of 22-3 this season. Great job, Chris!

Senior captain Nikhil Kulkarni finished his senior season with a record of 23-2. Great job, Nikhil!

Doubles
Max Crouse finished his season with an undefeated record of 25-0. Excellent season, Max!

Junior captain Austin Woldmoe finished his season with an excellent record of 22-2 at the No. 1 singles position.

Zac DeFonce had an excellent freshman year, finishing the season 24-1 at No. 3 singles.

Alex Woldmoe finished his freshman year with a record of 21-4. Great season, Alex!