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05/08/2016 12:00 AMThe Hand boys’ tennis team has experienced tremendous success by winning conference and state titles in recent years and so the Tigers are seasoned veterans on the big stage. Thus far this spring, Hand’s athletes are continuing their trend of success with an unblemished record, while taking a business-like approach to each opponent and building connections among one another.
After winning the SCC and Class L state championships two years ago and then finishing second and third, respectively, in those draws last year, the Tigers stormed out of gate to the tune of a 12-0 mark in 2016. Along the way, Hand has recorded eight 7-0 sweeps, including five in a row from April 18 through April 27. Head Coach Dawn Fagerquist explained that the right balance of toughness on the court and camaraderie off of it have paved the road to the Tigers’ perfect start.
“I think we are using the strength of our team as a positive thing. Everyone is contributing, which is huge, and our goals are higher this year. We also have a good group of freshmen that have come in,” said Fagerquist. “The kids have a good relationship with each other. Our captains are stepping up and the trust on the team is also very strong. We implement our game-plan before a match and I just try not over-coach during them. There’s also been a lot of accountability given to them with a little tough love at times on my part. We are willing to learn to improve and get better, even when it comes to me as a coach.”
Hand’s captains are two athletes who had formed a dominant doubles duo and are now singles standouts with Andrew Pace at the No. 2 slot and fellow senior Dan Weinreb playing No. 3. Pace and Weinreb went 26-2 last year en route to All-SCC Division I Team honors, the Class L doubles crown, and a State Open final berth. Now, they’re complementing each other well in terms of their leadership abilities.
“Andrew is a methodical player. He brings it all to the table. What you see with him is what you get. He knows how to adjust,” Coach Fagerquist said. “Dan is more of a logical thinker with a good defensive game. Still, on offense he makes his opponents scramble. He also doesn’t mind hanging on a little longer to win that point. They are good, all-around kids and the others look up to them.”
Rounding out the regular lineup for the Tigers are junior Kyle Fay at the top singles position, along with sophomore Justin Pace for the No. 4 spot. On the doubles side of the court, sophomore Rob Israel and freshman Noah Gulla are the No. 1 tandem, senior Dante Egidio and sophomore Alex Bueno are paired up at No. 2, and juniors Gianni LoMonaco and Brian Lynch form the third pairing.
“Kyle Fay is improving tremendously and implementing his game-plan. He just likes to keep the ball in play and works hard during points. Justin Pace will work all day to win a point,” said Fagerquist. “Rob Israel is a big lefty and he and Noah are a great one-two punch. Dante and Alex work well together. They are scrappy and make their opponents scramble. Gianni and Brian are huge assists to the depth of our doubles lineup. They know how to set up a point and also each other’s game very well.”
Like any successful program, the Tigers live in the present and don’t get too ahead of themselves. Hand is focusing on the all-important mental aspect of the sport as it prepares for another potentially prosperous postseason.
“Going into any year, you want to be positive. But we are taking things point by point. We stay and work as a team in taking things one step at a time,” said Fagerquist. “They’ve had very good discipline this year with controlling their emotions, as well. They are doing the small things well and earning their success.”
From the Sidelines
This is the sixth season for Hand with Dawn Fagerquist as its head coach.
The Tigers went 13-3 in the regular season for 2015 before losing 6-1 to Amity in the SCC Division I Tournament final.
Hand’s 12 wins have come against Fairfield Ludlowe (6-1), Guilford (6-1), Fairfield Prep (7-0), Amity (5-2), North Haven (7-0), Lyman Hall (7-0), Foran (7-0), East Haven (7-0), West Haven (7-0), South Windsor (6-1), Cheshire (7-0), and Sheehan (7-0).