STA loses 5-4 heartbreaker to Kennett.

In what was quite possibly their biggest match of the season, the STA (8-3) boys traveled to Kennett (7-1) in search of a big win for the program.  While Kennett had an easier schedule prior to the match, it was their place in the standings that held a real threat to STA's hopes of hosting a 1st round playoff game.  While the boys desperately needed a win it would not come easy.  STA was without 2 key starters at #3 and #5 singles which meant everyone had to move up 1-2 spots on the ladder and someone would also have to step into 1 doubles.  The boys had responded to this type of adversity earlier in the season but this would be their toughest test yet.

Junior Baxter Kimball got the Saints on the board first.  Kimball cruised to an 8-2 victory at #5 singles proving to coach that he may be ready to contend for points on a regular basis.  Kennett answered with an 8-2 win at #4 singles to tie the match at 1-1.  Junior Jack Benelli fought hard but he was playing 2 spots out of position which wouldn't have happened had everyone been there.  Sophomore Jake McGuire continued his impressive season as he bested his opponent 8-2 at #3 singles.  McGuire is now 3-0 when having to move up from #4 to #3.  Senior Captain Miguel Diaz gave the Saints their 3rd point by winning a very tight match 8-5 at #1 singles.  Diaz has continued to lead by example while providing STA with big wins from the #1 position. 

Up 3-1 coach knew they just needed one of the next two singles to put pressure on Kennett heading into doubles.  While both matches were very close in score, Kennett was able to even up the match 3-3 heading into doubles.  Junior Jack Dillow played very well in a back and forth match before eventually falling 6-8 in the #2 spot.  Senior Nate Poulin played in the most exciting match of the day.  It came down to a tiebreaker before Poulin eventually lost 8-9 (1-6) in what was his closest match of the season.  The intensity of the match was now in full swing as it became a best two of out three for the team win.

The undefeated pairing of McGuire and Kimball struck first netting the Saints their 4th point with the 8-2 win at #3 doubles.  Needing just one win out of two, the #1 and #2 doubles matches provided a lot of excitement.  Kennett's number #1 singles player played #2 doubles meaning Dillow and Benelli were in for a tough match.  They fought admirably but eventually fell 6-8 putting all the pressure on #1 doubles.  Things looked bleak for STA as Diaz and Poulin quickly fell down 6-1.  The boys didn't give up and battled back to tie things up at 6-6.  Kennett held on during the last two games eventually picking up the 8-6 win and 5-4 team victory.  Diaz was very impressive during the comeback bid and Poulin was playing out of position so coach was happy they at least put up a fight. 

Had a few things gone differently or had STA been with their regular lineup then maybe they would be sitting in prime position atop the standings.  Now they fall into the bottom half of the top 8 with two difficult matches ahead.  They don't have time to dwell on what could have been as now they must put all their attention on tomorrow's match against Lebanon.

Senior Nate Poulin during his heartbreaking 8-9 (1-6) loss in tiebreaker at #6 singles.