Despite playing in one of the most competitive leagues in the state, Walpole Boy’s Tennis has made the tournament for the last five straight years. However, after finishing 13-7 last year, a career best for longtime coach Sean Gough, the team graduated the top four of their seven varsity players; as a result, coach Gough did not have particularly high expectations for this season.
But filled with a competitive nature and a strong kinship, this year’s players are enjoying their season and shocking the league. Their strength starts at the bottom and moves its way up the ladder of players. Second doubles, previously the home of a strong senior tandem A.J. Amichetti and Jon Barry, is now played by sophmores Matt Fuller and Joe Guidoboni (affectionately nicknamed “the ice climbers”) who, through smart tennis and consistent play, are 3-1 since joining the varsity ranks. Next, at first doubles are seniors Ben Lennon and co-captain Adam Riegel, who, after learning from early mistakes and taking some pointers from the sophomores, are solid with a 5-1 record. At third singles is senior co-captain Mike Flaherty. Moving up from first doubles last year, Flaherty is constantly improving and uses his consistency and surprising power to win. Second singles is manned by sophomore sensation William Heanue, who is playing arguably the best of any of the Rebel boys. At first singles is James DeCelle, who plays exceptionally but is forced to face a stacked Bay State filled with studs at first singles.
Yesterday, Walpole continued its playoff push. Starting with Decelle winning at first singles, the Rebels cruised past C.M. winning 5-0 with all three singles and both doubles teams winning in straight sets. This victory now almost ensures Walpole will return to the tournament for a sixth straight year. To make the tournament, a team must have a minimum of a five hundred record, and with matches still against Norwood (Walpole defeated them 5-0 earlier this season) and Milton (Walpole won 4-1 in their first meeting), Walpole looks to definately reach its magic number of nine wins.
Today Walpole, who is hitting their stride at the perfect time, plays Natick and looks to avenge an early season 4-1 loss to the Red and Blue. “I know I don’t have to stress how important this match is,” said Coach Gough. “They beat us 4-1 last year the first time, and we came back and beat them 3-2 the second time. Hopefully we can have some deja vu.”
If the Rebels pull off a win against Natick and Weymouth, they will likely finish the season a strong 11-7 and should make a good run into the playoffs.