Boys tennis takes on GMCs

BY RITEE KARMACHARYA 

            The boys tennis team finished 5-12 overall while playing in the highly competitive GMC Red Division. Regardless of the tough competition this year, the young team has battled to find victories whenever they could behind their veteran leaders. The players’ hard work paid off when both doubles teams reached the GMC Quarterfinals.

            Despite constantly facing stiff competition, the team’s energy and support uplifted the players’ spirits. “We unfortunately play in one of the toughest divisions in the entire state for boys’ tennis,” coach Evan Wigdortz explained. “The boys have worked hard and play with a wonderful attitude win or lose.”  

            While the team has had its fair share of losses, many positive wins, including a win over Raritan to close the regular season, have also followed as they keep a positive mindset. “It’s been a lot of ups and downs,” said Vasanth Kumaravadivelu, a junior playing varsity for the first time this year. “We’ve had good wins and bad losses. But everyone is supportive of one another and pushes each other.”   

            While picking up wins against Sayreville, Edison, Piscataway, Raritan, and North Brunswick, the team displayed improvement throughout the season.  “The newcomers to the team have drastically improved throughout the season, especially my second doubles team of Vasanth Kumaravadivelu (11th) and Elijah Cabalan (9th), both new to the team this year,” Wigdortz said.  

            Though the players competed in varsity for the first time this year, second doubles team Junior Vasanth Kumaravadivelu and freshman Elijah Cabalan won eight matches this season and also went on to quarterfinals in the GMCs. The team went on to compete in the GMC Championship, where they lost to South Brunswick, one of their toughest opponents. “South Brunswick is the best, but we played our very best. It was our peak tennis so I’m happy,” said Kumaravadivelu, who went on to play in the quarterfinals alongside his partner Cabalan.   

            Quizon and Greco also went on to play in the quarterfinals, where they lost to JP Stevens. “I can say me and my double (Jordan Greco) played out hardest and were able to end out last game of the season with smiles on our faces and no regrets,” said Quizon. Though a loss, making it to the quarterfinals itself represented a victory for the team.

            The team’s indisputable energy and support has motivated the players to stay resilient this season. “My favorite part about tennis is the team. I am so fortunate to have them. They give me energy and keep me going and it’s great to see them improving as the season goes along.” Pujan Desai, the team captain, said.   

            The team’s hard work paid off during their recent match against Sayreville. The match was a turning point for the team’s cohesiveness. “We played against Sayreville and beat them 5-0. I felt like this was the closest our team has been because of how supportive we were.” said team member Mahin Patel.  

            As the team progresses with their impressive teamwork, Varsity Tennis continues to make waves this season. New members of the team have shown great improvement throughout the season, as the young team goes on with a bright future ahead. The team’s new players have been a key factor in their success this season. The team overall has truly proven that even in difficult competition, perseverance, along with supporting each other can result in victory. 

Posted on 5/19/23 

Photos by Ritee Karmacharya