Neuqua Valley beats St. Francis 6-1

It was a fine beginning to the season for Neuqua Valley boys tennis player Amrit Bhaskarla after being away from the sport for four months.

Bhaskarla, who underwent an emergency appendectomy last fall and began practicing only two weeks ago, scored a 6-1, 6-0 win at second singles to help the host Wildcats win its first match of the year, 6-1, over St. Francis.

And the Spartans' only point came from first singles sophomore Kyle Dawson, who missed several weeks of practice after suffering a hip flexor.

Bhaskarla was pleased with his first competitive outing after being away for so long.

"There was an adrenaline rush for my first match of the season," Bhaskarla said. "I was happy with the progress today because it seems that I'm getting back into shape."

"Amrit was attacking the short ball," said Neuqua Valley coach Trudy Bennorth. "His volleys have improved and he feels much more comfortable at the net. He had a real solid game."

Bennorth underscored how important Bhaskarla, a three-time state qualifier, is to the fortunes of the Wildcats, who are shooting for their eighth straight Upstate Eight Conference championship this year.

"He's one of the captains," Bennorth said. "Everyone looks up to Amrit for leadership. He's crucial for the development of the team."

Dawson reported his injury was feeling a little better but that there was still some leftover effect from missing two weeks of tennis.

"My serves and volleys were good, but I was struggling with consistency," Dawson said. "It's early in the season. I need to hit more balls."

"Kyle's movement on the court was excellent," said St. Francis coach Marcia Bussey. "He also had an excellent variety of shots and was able to hit the corners. When he's in rhythm, he can own all areas of the court."

Though the Spartans (1-1) were on the short end of the decision, Bussey thought playing against a team the caliber of Neuqua Valley early in the season was a great experience for her young team.

"Neuqua Valley is so good and they have such great depth," Bussey said. "This is the perfect time to come up against a good team like this. Our guys, especially at doubles, were getting their shots in but hitting it right to the Neuqua players. We have to work on placement."

Neuqua Valley's first doubles, Steve Rusch and Skeeter Plowman, both returning state qualifiers, took their match 6-2, 6-1.

"Steve and Skeeter weren't partners last year, but they're beginning to mesh well," Bennorth said. "I would say that our team looked good. There were a few nerves at first, but they settled in, got focused and did an excellent job."

Neuqua Valley swept the doubles matches with Joey Pulka and Brent Handy winning at No. 2, Andy Frandsen and Tyler Wall at No. 3 and Jose Cadena and Colton Bailey at No. 4.

Freshman third-singles Brian Glavin won his first varsity match.