KENNEBUNK — A year removed from being the top seed in the Western Maine Class A tournament, the Kennebunk boys tennis team is picking up where they left off. Even after losing three of their top seven players to graduation, the Rams keep charging on.
The team is 9-2 heading into the regular season finale today at Bonny Eagle. Both losses were close, as the Rams lost 3-2 in both cases.
Both losses were also defining moments for the Rams.
The first loss came at Windham after the Rams started off 7-0, dropping only three matches in the process.
“Windham was a little disappointing just because of the rain and how close a match it ended up being,” junior Josh Behrens said. “We lost a lot of thunder going through the match.”
In that match, Nat Skillin lost 7-6 (2), 7-5, and both doubles pairs lost.
The second loss came in Kennebunk’s last match, against Gorham. While it may appear as an “L” in the standings, the matchup was a bright spot in the eyes of both the players and coach Tom Post, Post said.
“It was one of the better tennis matches that they’ve ever played,” Post said. “It was a great match. Highly competitive.”
The match featured two three-set matches, including Charlie Merry’s marathon three-set loss to Kyle Curley. The loss was Merry’s first of the season.
“Even though we lost, there was really exciting tennis in every single match, and I think it kind of showed us that we can play with anyone,” said Merry.
“Chuck”, as he is affectionately known by his teammates, is the team’s first singles player, and by nature, the leader.
“He’s the rock,” said Behrens. “He doesn’t get upset when he plays, if he doesn’t play quite as well.”
Post agreed with Behrens.
“There is undoubtedly no better model of leadership and courage. He is just an outstanding competitor,” he said.
The first doubles team consists of sophomores Griffin Drigotas and Alex Pearson, who are both in their first year of varsity. Post called their season “a baptism by fire,” as many of their matches have gone to a third set. The second doubles team has been a revolving door, and at times has included freshmen Joe Beaudoin and David Behrens, Josh’s brother.
“That’s one of the great stories, I guess, as I look at our season,” Post chuckled as he talked about the performance he has received from the biggest question mark on his team.
The Rams advanced to the Western Maine final a year ago, where they lost to Scarborough 3-2. The team would like to get back to that point again, Merry said.
“The goal is to replicate last year ”¦ and maybe advance on that success,” he said.
Even with lofty goals, the team’s performance this season has come as a little bit of a shock to at least one player.
“It’s been a good surprise, actually. I didn’t think we were going to be as good as we were last year, but it’s worked out real well,” Merry said. “I think we have a good chance to go deep in the playoffs and make some noise.”
Kennebunk has never won a state or regional title.
Merry and Behrens also qualified for the state singles tournament, and will be looking to bring home the school’s first individual title as well.
— Contact Wil Kramlich at 282-1535, Ext. 323.
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