East Longmeadow Boys Tennis Captures Sectional Title in Thrilling Fashion
WILBRAHAM – The East Longmeadow boys tennis team secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Pope Francis in the Western Massachusetts Class B finals, clinching their second consecutive sectional championship. After an impressive start with straight-set wins in first and second doubles, the Spartans faced a tough challenge when the match shifted to singles.
Twin brothers Marcus and Oliver Tran of Pope Francis leveled the score by winning their singles matches, setting the stage for a decisive showdown between Declan Dulchinos and John Sitnik in third singles. The match turned into an endurance test, leading to a super tiebreaker after a 5-1 deficit for Sitnik that was overcome in the final set.
Ultimately, Dulchinos sealed the championship with a backhand shot that left everyone on the sidelines cheering. "I just wanted to keep getting points," he reflected on the match. The Spartans, with a season record of 11-6, turn their focus to the Division III state tournament, looking to build on their success. As they prepare, team members express optimism for deeper progress than in previous years, savoring the significance of their sectional win.
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