State tournament runs end for Galvin, Barrington
Both Rolling Meadows junior Mack Galvin and coach John Roncone's team from Barrington have been the undisputed leaders of Mid-Suburban League boys tennis over the past three seasons.
Galvin has won three consecutive conference titles along with three trips to the state tournament, while the Broncos won won three straight MSL titles over the same span, along with capturing a sectional title a week ago to send their entire team into the state tournament.
But the state tournament road came to an end for all the MSL participants on Day 2, as the 100th edition of the event continued.
Galvin fell short against 5-8 seed Brice Polender late Friday the Lake Forest standout's home courts, but not before winning a career-best fourth state tournament match.
In addition, Galvin gave 5-8 seed Stefano Tsorotiotis (Libertyville) all he could handle during their round of 16 match earlier in the day.
"It was there for me against Stefano," said Galvin, on his way out from tourney host Hersey following his 6-2, 7-5 loss to the Libertyville sophomore. "We played some good points and games in that first set, but I came out in that second set all fired up, going up 3-0 - let him back in it, then got back into the set before failing to take advantage of two overturned calls with three double faults when I was up 40-5."
A big service game from Tsorotiotis put him up 6-5 before he broke the Mustangs junior to win the set, and match.
Galvin finished 34-5 this year, after going 35-5 a year ago. His chief rival in the MSL, Ishaan Jaglan (26-7), saw his season and career end against Brett Meyer of Neuqua Valley on Friday in straight sets.
Barrington's Scott Apmann/Matt Mulligan (22-6) and Zach Hennefent/Vijay Tripuraneni (21-5) both dropped straight-set decisions to Naperville North and Wheaton St. Francis, respectively, in the backdraw.
"Ishaan had a great run during his two days here, as did all of our players - they all deserve a lot of credit for their season, and effort here at the tournament," said Roncone, who will lose all but Mohammed Walji from his state lineup to graduation.
Barrington captured 12 points overall, good for 12th place alongside Belleville East and Normal Community.
In the team race, it appears Hinsdale Central, with the one-two punch of Martin Joyce and Eddie Grabill in singles, are nearing yet another state title.
The Red Devils hold a 6-point advantage (40-34) over Lyons Township, which has Gianni and Alex Ross in the semifinals along with Joyce and Grabill.
New Trier is a distant third at 28 points, with Stevenson fourth overall at 25 points.
The final day of play begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, with backdraw matches at various venues around the area. Semifinal matches are scheduled to start at 9 a.m. at Hersey.
Tournament officials are prepared for rainy conditions and have indoor sites secured. If they are needed, schedule and site changes will be posted at ihsa.org.