The 2015 season for the Pirates boy’s tennis team was an up and down one that ended with a loss to Metuchen in the Central, Group 1 semi-finals.
The tennis team had to deal with weather issues to begin the season more than any other team this spring season, missing countless practices and having quite a few matches postponed or canceled.
The Pirates finished the season 7-6, including the playoffs, and took down Middlesex and Florence to reach the semi-finals. In the semi-finals, the Pirates fell to one-seed Metuchen by a score of 3-2.
The win over Florence in the second round of the tournament was the third victory in a matter of days against them.
Cinnaminson had hoped to continue a string of consecutive division titles, but the Pirates were not able to secure that goal in 2015, but head coach Mike Fries is happy with the foundation that was built this year for the future.
“Making it to the Central, Group 1 semifinals, was a great testament to their hard work and focus. We lose our 2nd doubles team to graduation, and return every other position. In the semifinals, we went to Metuchen and our 2 sophomore singles players (Eddie Runquist & Tyler Collins), each won in 3 sets. The kids know with hard work this summer and hopefully some indoor play in the winter, we can go further and possibly bring home a title.”
Fries pinpointed what he thought was the biggest win of the season for the team, and it was not either of the two playoff victories.
“Going to Northern Burlington and beating them at their place.”
Boy’s tennis won that match by a 4-1 score.
The Pirates were swept by Delran this year, who Fries named as their toughest divisional opponent in 2015.
“In our division, it was Delran. They were very impressive and swept the division to win the title. Out of our division, it was clearly Moorestown. Tyler Collins got a win against them at 3rd singles.”
As the season got longer, the Pirates began to play excellent tennis, as evidenced by their appearance in the group semi-finals. Fries attributed the strong play to the better weather.
“The weather had a huge impact on the way we started the season. One week we had 4 matches, and only got one in due to the rain. Towards the end of the season, the weather cooperated, and we were able to get in a ton of practice and matches. This helped us tremendously, especially playing quality teams: Moorestown, RVRHS, Delran, which helped us prepare for the tournament.”
The Pirates have put themselves in a good position for the 2016 season, but Fries has some final thoughts on the 2015 boy’s tennis campaign.
“As I reflect on our season, I am proud of my guys. They worked hard every practice, trained on the weekends, some played in tournaments, and it didn’t matter what the score was, they competed for each point and left it all out there every match. Miss Hooks, the assistant coach, did a tremendous job and shares a wealth of knowledge with the players. 2016 looks promising and I can’t wait.”
