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05/31/2021 12:00 AMThe Valley Regional boys’ tennis team competed in the Shoreline Conference Tournaments on May 24 and 25. The Warriors entire starting roster saw representation between the No. 1-2 singles, the No. 3-4-5 singles, and the doubles tournament brackets. Several of Head Coach Callie Riggio’s players turned in strong performances against some of the best the Shoreline Conference has to offer.
One of the best performances of the tourney came from junior Nic Wyszkowski, who came into No. 1-2 bracket as the No. 2 seed and made it all the way to the final round. Unfortunately, Wyszkowski lost in the final round to No. 1 seed Georgre Dane of Old Lyme by a 6-4, 6-4 score. Coach Riggio has been impressed with her No. 1 singles player all season, and this tournament was no exception.
“Nic did an excellent job progressing through the tournament. With some minor bumps in the road like a school lockdown during the second day and AP exams, he successfully adapted and overcame those challenges whilst maintaining his end goal of being in the finals,” said Riggio. “I am very excited to see how successful Nic will be next season. Next year, he will definitely have a very strong record in the regular season, and a solid turnout with tournaments.”
Valley’s No. 2 singles player freshman Tomas Dahl also earned a spot in the tournament as the No. 5 seed in the bracket, but ended up losing to No. 12 seed Sam Gibson, East Hampton’s No. 1 singles player. Coach Riggio was impressed with the freshman’s gumption this season.
“Tomas played in the first round and lost against East Hampton’s No. 1 singles player, Sam Gibson. As a freshman, he should be very proud of his 9-2 record for the season, as well as being seeded fifth for Shorelines,” Riggio said. “I’m very proud of the effort he put forth with this match. It was a great loss and an excellent learning experience for him. Tomas will definitely have a powerful season next year in the second singles spot.”
In the No. 3-4-5 singles bracket, the Warriors’ No. 3 singles player junior Hayden Lombardi earned the No. 4 seed in the tournament, reached the semifinals, but ran into the eventual champion in No. 1 seed Cooper Whitehouse of Westbrook. Coach Riggio, believed that Lombardi will be able to use the experience in this tournament to his advantage in the future.
“Hayden lost in the semis to a very strong and consistent player, but he will be returning next season with goals in mind. Hayden played very well and did an excellent job with trying to adapt to various playing strategies that his opponent had,” said Riggio. “This match was a tricky one for him in the regular season as well, so I’m very proud of him that he made it as competitive as it was. He definitely will be able to utilize the strategies that he used during the tournament for next season.”
Valley’s No. 4 singles player freshman Aidan Garrity earned his way into the tournament as the No. 6 seed and reached the quarterfinals before running into Westbrook’s Elliott Koplas, who went up against Whitehouse in the final. Riggio knew that players from Westbrook’s undefeated Shoreline Conference Champions squad could pose issues in this tournament, but it’s all good experience to help expand the Warriors’ game.
“As our lineup continues to advance and gains more experience, we will definitely be a competitive team to beat next year. Aidan especially has brought great talent to the singles lineup, and I can always rely on him,” Riggio said. “As he gains more experience with high school competition as well as building his own tennis career, I think he will also have a pronounced season next year like the other players.”
The Warriors’ No. 5 singles player Jack Whittaker also made the cut and entered as the No. 10 seed. Whittaker progressed to the semifinals, where he also ran into Westbrook’s Koplas. Riggio can’t wait to see what new approaches Whittaker will take from his matches.
“Jack made it to the semifinals as well. Shifting from doubles his freshman year to being fifth singles this year, he was a very valuable player to the singles lineup and to the team overall,” said Riggio. “Jack never disappoints, and he uses my suggestions very constructively. He executes each point very well. He knows his strengths and uses them to his advantage. From the experience he gained this season, he will definitely be a solid singles player next year.”
As for the Doubles Tournament, Valley’s No. 1 tandem of juniors Kaid Matesky and Tucker Burr earned the No. 3 seed in the bracket and advanced to the semifinal round. There they lost to Westbrook’s Mason Malchiodi and Gareth Whitehouse who were the No. 2 seed. Coach Riggio was glad to see the junior pair leave it all out on the court.
“Kaid and Tucker did very will with their competition in this tournament. They played their best, and unfortunately met a very strong team towards the end,” Riggio said. “Both of them were newly paired this season, so I’m expecting them to have a strong season as well next year. They are a very powerful and tough team. I couldn’t be more proud of how well they worked and supported each other.”
Valley’s No. 2 doubles pairing of junior Sawyer Joy and freshman Charlie Whelan had to earn their spot as the No. 8 seed in the bracket through a play-in round. Unfortunately, after they won, their reward was facing No. 1 seed and eventual champions Tim O’Brien and Regan Kaye of Old Lyme. Still, Coach Riggio believes that her athletes gained a lot out of playing the top competition.
“Charlie and Sawyer also played very well. They unfortunately had a tough draw and lost to the Old Lyme number one doubles team,” Riggio said. “I was excited to see them gain more competitive play since it will definitely benefit them for next year. It was also beneficial for all players to see the various skill levels throughout the tournament.”
Up next for the Warriors will be the Class S State Tournament, where they are the No. 5 seed and will host No. 12 seed Wamogo on Saturday, May 29 (after press time). Coach Riggio is brimming with pride over what her small squad has been able to accomplish this year, and she’s hoping Valley has saved its best for last in the state tourney.
“I’m excited for the players to experience playing other schools that are not within the Shoreline Conference. I think moving through the brackets as a team will be very rewarding and exciting instead of it being an individual tournament. There are some very good teams this year, so I’m looking forward to seeing how far we’ll progress,” said Riggio. “Overall, I am so proud of my team for finishing 12-3 in addition to how well they played in this tournament. Valley is has proven itself a powerful team, and after this season, we’re even more excited to compete next year. Every player is a fighter, and I couldn’t ask for more. I’m very thankful to be the coach for such an exceptional team.”