News Summary

In a dramatic match at the Billie Jean King USTA National Tennis Center, Friends Academy clinched its first state tennis championship, defeating Byram Hills 3-2. The junior duo of Singh and Doan secured the victory in a thrilling three-set match. This win marked a joyful moment for the team, overcoming past heartbreaks in previous championships. Coach Owen Kassimir expressed pride in the team’s determination and teamwork, as they celebrated a significant milestone for Friends Academy.

Friends Academy Claims First State Tennis Championship in Thrilling Match

Flushing, NY – In an electrifying showdown, Friends Academy made history by winning its first state tennis championship on Friday at the iconic Billie Jean King USTA National Tennis Center. The team, that had faced heartbreak in two previous championship appearances, showcased their grit and determination by defeating Byram Hills with a nail-biting score of 3-2.

The Decisive Match

It was the junior duo of Vir Vinnay Singh and Blake Doan who sealed the deal for Friends Academy, taking on a fierce challenge in their third doubles match. The match was a rollercoaster ride, filled with tension and excitement, as they battled to a three-set victory with scores of 7-5, 4-6, and 6-3. The atmosphere was electric, each point met with cheers and gasps from the gathered crowd, reflecting just how much this championship meant to the players.

A Joyful Turnaround

Friends Academy’s three-match win streak leading up to the finals was no accident. Having knocked out the Section III champion Skaneateles in a confident 4-1 victory, the team was ready for the challenge. The triumph was especially sweet for senior Ved Rawat, who had experienced the sting of consecutive runner-up finishes and finally tasted victory.

Powerhouses in Action

Besides Singh and Doan, the team shone in various matches. Will Bonner delivered a dominating performance at first singles, winning without losing a single game, showing off his strong skills and confident playing style. In their opening doubles match, Hudson Lee and Steven Seviroli started the day on a high, winning 6-3, 6-2, and reinforcing the team’s momentum.

Vasily Ouyang-Christiansen also contributed with a solid win at second singles for Friends Academy. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. In a tightly contested second doubles match, Byram Hills’ pair of Casey Goldstein and Arun Das edged out Rawat and Henry Koelmel with scores of 7-6 (4), 7-5, reminding everyone just how competitive the championship had become.

Overcoming the Past

What made this victory even more poignant for Friends Academy was their previous encounters with Bronxville in championship matches where they fell short. The weight of these past experiences was certainly on the minds of the players, especially as they were determined to change their legacy.

A Testament to Hard Work

The emotional stakes were high as Singh and Doan felt the pressure of their program’s history riding on their shoulders during that decisive match. Yet, their resolve and teamwork prevailed, ensuring that hard work and determination shone through in the face of adversity.

Coach Owen Kassimir couldn’t have been prouder of his team’s performance. Their resilience and focus during crucial points of the match played a key role in their success. The chemistry and confidence shown among teammates highlighted their journey, paving the way for this momentous championship win.

Celebrating a Milestone

This championship is not only a victory for the players but a significant milestone for Friends Academy as a whole. It reflects the late-night practices, the dedication of the coaching staff, and the unwavering support from the school community. As the players hoisted the championship trophy, cheers erupted, marking the start of a new chapter in Friends Academy’s tennis history.

The buzz surrounding the team’s triumph is palpable, igniting excitement for future seasons. With passionate players, determined coaches, and a supportive community, Friends Academy is poised for even greater accomplishments in the world of high school tennis.

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