Glenbard West overcomes WW South
The nonconference boys tennis matchup between Glenbard West and host Wheaton Warrenville South on Tuesday was so long that the sunset descended in part from fatigue.
With the Hilltoppers already having secured the team victory 6-2, No. 3 doubles Jack Carlin and Jack Hennessey won 7-5, 6-4, 12-10 in a match that lasted a shade under two hours.
Several matches went long, but it was Glenbard West No. 2 doubles pairing Ben Ryne and RJ Boyle in a 7-6, 6-4 win, that ultimately decided the outcome. The duo found themselves up 5-1 in the first set but gave up the next three games.
"It was just kind of back-and-forth, I don't know, we came back to get it, so it's all good," Ryne said.
A bright spot for the Tigers saw No. 1 singles Charlie McDonough defeat Steven Hanna 6-0, 6-1. While he has an overpowering first serve, he plays with a calm and relaxed approach that is an anomaly for most hard-hitting players in the top singles spot.
"My coach, when I was younger, would make us run if we got mad," McDonough said.
Though he exhibits great power with a first serve that landed consistently, it was his backspin that helped him offset Hanna, confirming that "the backspin is my favorite shot."
Hilltoppers No. 1 doubles Nate Dell and Kyle Keane outlasted the Tigers' Zach Orlove and Andy Page 6-1, 7-5, though Page did use his long reach to slam home several points at he net.
Mixing his team up on the court was intentional for Glenbard West first-year coach Tad Keely, who employed a strategy not only for the contest but for upcoming state play.
"It was good today, different lineup than we usually play going into sectionals," Keely said.