The Pirates boy’s tennis team went 15-3 in 2016 and 9-0 in the Freedom to take home the division title. Here is our season review.
Cinnaminson opened the season with back-to-back losses to Moorestown (5-0) and Rancocas Valley (3-2) to start 0-2.
“Moorestown is a machine at tennis,” head coach Mike Fries said. “We were fortunate in 2015 to get one match.”
“We went 15-3 this season with an outstanding team and still lost to them 5-0. I don’t know if we can get that victory, however any things possible.”
That did not phase the Pirates, who rebounded with their first win of the year, 5-0 against Florence. Little did they know that the win against Florence would be the first of 14 in a row overall and nine straight in the division.
“The camaraderie was great this year,” Fries said. “They really got along and how hard they worked. Their hard work really paid off.”
The Pirates played in the Freedom Division this year against Holy Cross, Palmyra, Trenton Catholic, Florence and Burlington City.
“It was important not only to the players, but the coaching staff to win the Freedom division title,” Fries said. “We don’t anticipate only giving it away in 2017.”
Cinnaminson played only nine of their 10 scheduled division matches due to rainouts, but their 9-0 record was by far the best in the division. Two of the nine wins came via forfeit by Burlington City.
At the BC Open, second singles Eddie Runquist advanced the furthest for the Pirates as he made it to the semifinal round.
Cinnaminson’s win streak, which included a win mid-season over rival Delran by a 3-2 score, earned the Pirates the #5 seed in the South, Group 2 Tournament.
“Defeating our rival, Delran, was another impressive victory,” Fries said.
Right before the tournament began the Pirates had a rematch with Rancocas Valley, whom they have played well against for the past couple of seasons.
This time, the Pirates turned the tide and picked up a 3-2 win, thanks to Coach Fries’ most improved player.
“I would have to say Tim Campbell. It is not easy being the #1 singles player. He lost his 2nd match of the year to Rancocas Valley and about a month later defeated their #1 singles player in 2 sets to give us the victory.”
Also prior to the playoffs the Pirates took part in the BCSC Tournament. Third singles Tyler Collins made it to the finals before falling 6-3, 6-3 to Moorestown in the final round.
The Pirates opened the tournament with a 4-1 win over visiting #12 Delsea, but fell on the road at #4 West Deptford in the second round 4-1 in one of the toughest brackets in the state.
“2016 is going to be tough to beat,” Fries said. “It was a remarkable season. It starts with them working in the offseason to improve upon their technique and agility.”
“I know they aren’t satisfied with just one playoff win. They want to move further next season in the tournament.”
Tuesday we will bring you the 2016 boy’s volleyball season review at 11am.
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