Boys tennis: Lake Park freezes out Wheaton Academy
Last boys tennis season Lake Park's Josh Solarz was one sectional singles victory away from his first state berth.
That finish paved the way for a new beginning in 2016 - playing No. 1 doubles with Brian Woodman.
"It was a definite consideration because had we had two first doubles seniors leave," Solarz said. "I ended my singles career because I feel like doubles will fit me better, faster game play and that sort."
On Tuesday Solarz and Woodman, both seniors, were among five straight-set winners for the Lancers against Wheaton Academy in the season opener for both in Roselle.
Lake Park already had won the nonconference match with a 5-1 lead, but one match was suspended by rain - an outstanding No. 1 singles battle between Wheaton Academy sophomore Ty Krill and Lake Park senior Piotr Lada, both 2015 state qualifiers.
The match should be concluded next week. Krill won the first set 6-4, but Lada will be serving for the second set ahead 5-4.
Despite cold and windy conditions even before the rain, Krill played in a pair of plaid shorts.
"Usually (I do). Yes even today," Krill said. "When it was snowing down in Texas two years ago for a (USTA) tournament, I played with pants on there - definitely."
Lake Park sophomore David Cruz had the closest victory, 7-5, 7-5 over junior Jonah Jones at No. 3 singles. Also winning were Lake Park senior Aayush Patel and junior Nick Sapic at No. 2 doubles, senior Philip Macias and junior Saahil Patel at No. 3 doubles and junior Fareed Nizamuddin at No. 4 singles. Wheaton Academy freshman Owen Setran won at No. 2 singles.
Solarz and Woodman won 6-1, 6-1.
"We play really well together and we cooperate on the court," Woodman said. "We can talk and get almost every single ball. I like it a lot."
"It definitely feels good to get out there and I'm ready to see what else we can do," Solarz said. "Even though the weather wasn't the best, I guess we'll take it for a first match."
The Lancers return seven of 10 starters, but besides graduating their state-qualifying No. 1 doubles team, they also lost Woodman's partner at No. 2 doubles.
"I think he watched that and always wanted to try and do that," Lake Park coach Tim Martin said of playing doubles. "A great mix of personalities. Josh is always calm, analytical. Brian is really aggressive, energetic. They make a really nice pair."
This season Lake Park and Wheaton Academy are in different sectionals after Krill and Lada were first and third, respectively, at the 2015 St. Charles East sectional. At state Krill finished among the top 24 and Lada the top 64 in his second state trip.
Krill won last year's duel with Lada 6-1, 6-4, but Lada gained momentum Tuesday after falling behind 5-2. Both players broke serve once.
"It was very tough for me. Yeah, he's definitely improved. He has improved a lot. He's a great player," Krill said.
"All credit to (Krill). He was playing a really smart match, but I kind of found a way around it," Lada said. "I really enjoyed myself out there, really enjoyed the energy."
Lada said he is stronger mentally and more relaxed with the help of his sports psychologist. Martin said Lada is playing his best tennis and that should continue at whatever college he attends.
"Piotr is a leader for us. He really helps the younger players," Martin said. "He's the hardest-working player I've ever had. He's got the total game. He can beat you a lot of different ways."