STA Boys Tennis team officially clinches playoff spot; defeats Oyster River 8-1.

The STA (9-5) boys tennis team started and finished their season by defeating Oyster River (6-7).  The first match of the season was a 6-3 win for the Saints and they showed their vast improvement picking up the 8-1 victory the second time around. After a 2-win season a year ago, the Saints have made the playoffs.  It appears they are locked into the 7th seed and will face either Kennett, Plymouth, or Hollis Brookline. 

Senior Captain Miguel Diaz got STA on the board first with a dominating 8-1 victory at #1 singles.  The win makes Diaz 10-4 on the year which is very impressive at #1 singles considering his lack of experience.  Sophomore Jake McGuire added to his season win total with an 8-3 win at #4.  Senior Hayden Blaisdell and junior Baxter Kimball each added victories for the Saints.  Blaisdell won 8-4 at #5 singles while Kimball won 8-1 at #6 singles.  Junior Assistant Captain Jack Dillow would go on to seal the match for STA.  Dillow was down 4-1 before winning a remarkable 7 games in a row to pick up the 8-4 win in the #2 spot.

STA would go on to sweep doubles during their regular season finale.  Diaz and sophomore Owen Himmer were up 6-5 before OR eventually retired surrendering the point in the #1 doubles spot.  McGuire and Kimball added an 8-4 win at #2 doubles while Dillow and junior Jack Benelli would also win 8-4 in the #3 spot.  Coach was glad his pairings could build some valuable chemistry heading into the playoffs.

A preseason goal of 3 wins seems silly now that STA finished with 9 wins and that has shifted their expectations much higher.  While it is a big deal to make the playoffs at all, STA is hoping for a favorable matchup where they can potentially reach the division 2 semi finals.  While the remainder of the teams finish their matches this week, STA will play the waiting game to find out who they travel to.

Photos of STA singles lineup in order; Diaz (#1), Dillow (#2), Himmer (#3), McGuire (#4), Blaisdell (#5), and Kimball (#6).