Courtesy of Allyson Morin
WESTFIELD – The high school tournament season is about to hit a fever pitch level.
While their fellow schoolmates vie for championship titles and finals berths in their respective sports, the Westfield High School boys’ tennis team is set to compete in the Western Mass D1 quarterfinals. The second-seeded Bombers will face off against No. 5 Agawam in a home match Thursday at 3:30 p.m.
Westfield coach John Morizio noted many memorable highlights from a competitive season: individuals who stepped up and went 3-2 to win matches; Alec Best pulling out a third set victory at Central to achieve a 2-2 tie; doubles teams such as the pairing of James Knapik and Shayne Holloway, who could be counted on to pull through for a fifth point victory; and an overall cohesive unit, leading to a successful regular season.
TRISTIN VIALE
Going into this upcoming match, the team is expected to employ a similar lineup to what they’ve had all season.
Much depends on the Westfield boys remaining healthy and strong. The Bombers’ top singles player, Tristin Viale will be a tough test for Agawam.
“Agawam is a very strong team,” coach Morizio said. “It will be hard to predict a winner.”
While the Westfield coach is not willing to guarantee a victory, he did acknowledge the depth of his squad – one of the team’s biggest strengths – will play a role in determining just who advances.
Eight or nine athletes play consistently well and fairly equally on any given day, Morizio said. The team is strong in doubles and singles, and, although pressure may be put on top athletes, they pull through.
Westfield boasts a lone senior and just two juniors.
Despite being a young team, primarily composed of underclassmen, Westfield has promise this postseason and beyond.
Many of the athletes have little prior experience in the sport, but Morizio said he is excited for the next few seasons ahead. Because his athletes have shown personal investment in tennis the head coach is looking forward to developing his players’ skill and love of the game.
Only time will tell – and very soon – how far the Bombers advance in 2015.
