Dutch tennis team wins 6-1 over ECC on Senior Night

The St. Marys Area Flying Dutchmen tennis team defeated crosstown rival ECC by a score of 6-1 in a Senior Night match played on Wednesday afternoon at St. Marys Area High School.

“We shortened the match to eight-game pro sets to help speed things along on our Senior Night and because ECC has had a long week of tennis already – winning doubles and playing in the first round of team states yesterday (Tuesday),” said St. Marys Area head coach Tim Henry. “Coach Jeselnick also didn’t start two of his usual singles players and his usual third doubles team, so tonight’s results were a combination of many factors, but it was great to see most of our players just out there having fun and playing well.”

At first singles, SMA’s Luke Anderson won 8-4 over ECC’s Cameron Klebacha. At second singles, Dutchman Dawson Krug defeated Crusader Douglas MacDonald 8-4. ECC’s lone win came at third singles as Owen Daghir won 8-5 agaisnt SMA’s Blake Hoffman. At fourth singles, Dutchman Dean Rakieski defeated ECC’s William MacDonald 8-4.

St. Marys Area swept all three doubles matches.

At first doubles, the Dutch duo of Anderson and Hoffman won 8-4 over ECC’s Anthony Messineo and Cole Piccirillo.

At second doubles, SMA’s Krug and Tyler Luckenbill won 8-0 against Crusaders Douglas MacDonald and Frank Messineo. At third doubles, Dutchmen Matthew Wehler and Riley Brennen defeated ECC’s Bradyn Pistner and Noah Cherry 8-4.

“The loose, upbeat mood brought out some of our most aggressive, yet smart tennis on a tricky, dry surface,” Henry said. “Some competitive matches were Luke’s chance to play Klebacha

again, performing solidly with good emotional control. In one doubles, it was another rematch of the finals of the D9 tournament two days ago, with our duo pulling out a win by eliminating the unforced errors that haunted them in the prior encounter.”

“Congratulations to all of tonight’s seniors, and good luck to ECC’s tennis athletes at states,” Henry added.

ECC head coach Michael Jeselnick remarked that the makeup match allowed him to see members of his squad play in different positions, and it also gave members of the team an opportunity to work on shot making.

“It was a good tune up for Cameron Klebacha at singles and Anthony Messineo and Cole Piccirillo at doubles, who will compete in Hershey May 26 and 27,” Jeselnick said. “It was Senior Night for the St. Marys tennis team. I wish all the seniors much success in all their endeavors.”