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05/15/2022 12:00 AMThe Valley Regional boys’ tennis team put together another excellent stretch by earning three more victories to clinch the regular-season Shoreline Conference title last week. The Warriors improved to 12-0 by posting shutouts in each of their three recent matches, and Head Coach Callie Riggio’s squad will start gearing up for the playoffs after Valley plays its final contest of the regular season this week.
“We won all three of our matches this week by score of 7-0. That demonstrated growth with our team from our previous encounters with these other squads,” Coach Riggio said. “I was extremely happy with the turnout of the matches we played this week as our record is now 12-0. Every player stayed strong, resilient, and patient.”
Valley kicked off its week by earning a 7-0 home victory versus Cromwell that solidified the Shoreline title on May 9. Senior captain Nic Wyszkowski claimed a 6-0, 6-0 win at No. 1 singles; and sophomore Tomas Dahl won his No. 2 contest by a 6-0, 6-0 score for the Warriors. Senior captain Hayden Lombardi notched a 6-3, 6-1 win at No. 3 singles; while senior Jack Whittaker was a 6-0, 6-0 victor at No. 4 singles.
Valley’s No. 1 doubles team of senior Kaid Matesky and junior Aidan Garrity claimed a 6-0, 6-3 victory versus Cromwell. The No. 2 doubles duo of senior Sawyer Joy and senior Peter Fitton earned a 6-2, 6-1 win. Valley also picked up a victory via forfeit at No. 3 doubles.
“The boys have definitely met my initial expectations as we won the Shoreline Conference title for this season,” said Riggio. “I am extremely pleased to coach this wonderful team, but am more excited for the boys, as well. Every player has shown a great amount of strength, skill-wise and mentally.”
On May 11, Valley returned to the courts with a 7-0 win against East Hampton in a home match. Wyszkowksi notched a 6-7, 6-0, 6-3 victory; and Dahl posted a 6-4, 6-1 win on the singles courts. Lombardi won a 6-3, 6-2 decision; and Whittaker prevailed by the final tally of 6-7, 6-3, 12-10. The Warriors’ doubles duos of Matesky and Garrity, sophomore Willem Fitton and freshman Ed Johnson, and sophomore Charles Whalan and freshman Shep Whitney all earned victories for Coach Riggio’s squad.
“I am proud of every player on the team,” said Riggio. “But I am especially blown away from the performance of the players that have endured hours of AP testing and extracurriculars, such as participating in a concert facilitated to raise awareness for the war in Ukraine.”
The following day, Valley traveled to Clinton to face Morgan and blanked the Huskies by a 7-0 score. Wyszkowksi, Dahl, and Lombardi all won their singles matches in straight sets, while Whittaker came away with another victory in a third-set tiebreaker. The duos of Matesky-Garrity and Fitton-Johnson were straight-sets winners, and the tandem of Whelan-Whitney won a three-set battle at No. 3 doubles for the Shoreline Conference champion Warriors.
“My favorite moment of the season was seeing the excitement and commitment displayed from every player to win the goal of the Shorelines title,” Riggio said. “The team has shown an undivided amount of support, motivation, and dedication.”
The athletes on the Valley Regional boys’ tennis team are senior captains Nic Wyszkowski and Hayden Lombardi; seniors Jack Whittaker, Kaid Matesky, Sawyer Joy, and Peter Fitton; junior Aidan Garrity; sophomores Tomas Dahl, Charlie Whelan, Willem Fitton, and Lucas Silva; and freshmen Shep Whitney and Ed Johnson.
Coach Riggio feels thrilled about Valley achieved in the regular season. Now, Riggio and her players are excited about competing on an even bigger stage during the postseason.
“I hope as we move forward into states, they will demonstrate the same amount of heart and grit,” said Riggio. “We are excited to advance into the individual Shoreline Tournament and team states.”