The Lakeview men’s tennis team started the season off with their home opener match at Willow Park on Monday, March 25th. The tennis team faced off against Howland, who has had a pretty dominant team the past few years. Last year, Howland lost their #1 singles player, Alexander Bakeris, so they are down their best player this year. The Lakeview men’s tennis coach, John Terbovich ensured we were ready to compete this year by continuously finding drills for us to do at practice.
This match was both ours and Howland’s first match so it set the tone for how we can compete this year. Senior Luke Rider was starting on court #1, who faced off against Senior Alex Crawford. After back-and-forth points, Crawford took the first set 7-5, scoring 0-1. In the second set, Rider got a hold of the game by defeating Crawford 6-1. With a 1-1 score, they would go into a tiebreaker set, where it is first to 10. Rider defeated Crawford 2-1 after winning the tiebreaker 10-6.
Senior Ty Goyzueta started on court #2, who faced off against Howland’s Joshua George. After almost a clean sweep, Goyzueta defeated George 6-1, scoring 1-0. In the second set, George gives a little more fight but still falls short 6-2 giving the 2-0 win to Goyzueta.
When asked how Goyzeuta feels following the win, he comments, “It felt great to get back out and play. I made sure to stay consistent and just keep the ball in play. I utilized my slice a lot and made sure to place the ball in specific spots so it was harder for him to get there. I’m excited to see how I will do this season.”
Junior Colben Schick started on court #3, facing Howland’s Gavin Andamasaris. After losing the first point, Schick can get on top of the match defeating Andamasaris 6-2 scoring 1-0. In the second set, Schick defeats Andamasaris once again with a score of 6-3 winning the match 2-0.
For doubles, the #1 doubles team consisting of Senior Dylan Clements and Senior Michael Moats faced off against Howland’s Robin Hakimian and Jesse George. Hakimian and George take the first set over Lakeview 6-2. While fighting to take the match to a third set, Clements and Moats fell to Howland 6-4 ending their match 0-2.
When asked how he thought the match went, Clements comments, “I didn’t play great. My serve kept on going out and I hit the ball long a few times. We should’ve beaten that team because I know we definitely could’ve”.
The #2 doubles team consisted of Junior Lucas Redmond, and freshman Benton Beerbower who faced off against Howland’s Cooper Biery, and Cayden Akpoghene. After some errors, Howland’s Biery and Akpoghene defeated Lakeview 6-1. After regrouping, Redmond and Beerbower came back, winning 6-2. In the 3rd set tiebreaker, points were continuously exchanged with some good rallies but Howland’s Biery and Akpoghene came on top winning 10-7.
When asked how he felt about the loss, Redmond comments, “I am not happy with the loss, because we should’ve beat that team. I served pretty well, but we just didn’t communicate, which cost us the game. If we communicate from now on, I know we can win”.
After starting the season off with a 1-0 record, I am excited to see how the Lakeview men’s tennis team will continue to compete against other tough teams they play. Lakeview’s next matchups include matches vs Poland Seminary, St. Johns, Jefferson Area, and West Geauga.
Now that the 3rd week of matches is on its way, teams like Ursuline(4-0), West Branch(4-0), and Boardman(3-0) lead the polls in the Youngstown Area.
