Netters looking for confidence for CVC action

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by Brent Hovey

Reporter

Aurora -- With the success the boys tennis team has had over the last two seasons, it has stepped up its competition.

Playing traditional tennis powers such as Shaker Heighst and Beachwood is tough enough. But take away the top player -- one of the best in the state -- and it becomes even tougher.

First singles player Brad Lodge could not play last week because of a shoulder injury.

The Greenmen went 1-3 on the week and stood 8-5 heading into this week's action.

The win was 5-0 over Ravenna. Losses were 4-1 to Shaker Heights and Beachwood and 3-2 to North Olmsted.

Lodge sat out two of the three losses, then returned but lost to Beachwood, 6-2, 6-1. He rebounded to beat Ravenna, 6-0, 6-2.

"He's back, but he may not be ready to go all out," Banc said. "The only match it really hurt not having him was against Shaker."

Ramill Frizzell, normally the team's No. 2 singles, has moved up to the top spot and has done well. He got a default win over Shaker's No. 1, then beat North Olmsted in a three setter.

He won at No. 2, 6-3, 6-4, against Beachwood, and Banc gave him the day off against Ravenna.

"Ramill is playing great tennis," said Banc. "He's winning all his matches and has been great for the team."

John Rausch played at No. 2 singles. He had played solid at No. 3 and was not ready to handle the duties at No. 2 as he lost both matches.

Rausch teamed up with Sean Black to win at first doubles against Ravenna, 6-0, 6-0.

The doubles teams have been an area of questions all year, but Banc said they are improving.

"We're getting much closer with our doubles teams," she said. "They're playing great and our second doubles of Chris Wentz and Greg Lozanoff pulled off a great three-setter against North Olmsted and almost did the same against Beachwood. Those are pretty darn good teams."

Wentz and Lozanoff beat North Olmsted 7-6, 2-6, 7-6, but lost to Shaker 6-1, 6-0 and Beachwood 7-5, 5-7, 7-6.

Against Ravenna, Nate Sender played at No. 2 and won 6-2, 6-2 and Mitch Romito took over at No. 3 and won 6-0, 6-0.

Rounding out sweep after Rausch and Black at first doubles were Lozanoff and Wentz, 6-0, 6-1.

AHS will face Kenston on May 1. "We need to get some wins for our confidence and for our seeding [in the CVC tourney]," Banc said.

E-mail:

bhovey@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3115