Nicolet boys tennis team beats top-ranked Marquette

For years, Nicolet has had the pleasure of hosting one of the state’s top boys tennis tournaments.

This year the Knights also had the pleasure of winning it.

Nicolet, ranked second in the state coaches poll, defeated No. 1 Marquette, 5-2, in the final to win its Sweet 16 Invitational on Saturday. The meet drew seven of the state’s top 10 teams in Division 1 plus a ranked school in Division 2.

Nicolet defeated Oshkosh North and Whitefish Bay by 7-0 margins Friday. On Saturday, Ari Robinson and Ridley Aranda rallied from a 5-0 deficit in a third-set tiebreaker to beat Neenah’s No. 2 doubles team and seal a 4-3 victory.

That set the stage for the final. Marquette didn’t use two of its better players, John Massart and Ethan Budiono, and couldn’t keep pace with Nicolet. The Knights, who got wins from Ben Chester and Harry Rossman at No. 3 and No. 4 singles, also got victories from Jaden Aranda and Jack Steinberger at No. 1 doubles, Eli Winter and Ridley Aranda at No. 2 doubles and Ari Robinson and Eyton Robinson at No. 3 doubles.

“I don’t think Marquette has lost a dual match in some time. They haven’t lost a dual match this year,” Nicolet coach Tim Koppa said. “But my guys came to play today and were ready to play. … I was proud of how ready they were to play in the final. That being said we beat them without them giving us a chance to play their top two guys, so it (the win) does come with a bit of a grain of salt.” GIRLS SOCCER

Milwaukee Reagan 1, Milwaukee King 0: Jessika Harmon’s goal at 26 minutes 27 seconds lifted the Huskies to victory in the championship game of the City Conference tournament.