An intense final set played by Zak Potter helped launch the high school boys tennis team into the quarterfinals of the Division 3 state playoffs. The Vineyarders defeated East Longmeadow High School 3-2 on Friday.
“Pretty exciting. That’s a lot of pressure when it comes down to one match like that,” coach Jonathan Bates said.
The Vineyard team lost its first and second singles matches, played by Jacob Riis and Clyde Smith, and won at first and second doubles, played by Teagan Myers and Caleb Dubin, and Kert Kleeman and Kyle Levy. With the match tied 2-2, it came down to Potter at third singles. Both the Martha’s Vineyard and East Longmeadow teams watched in anticipation as Potter and Dulchinos battled it out.
In the end Potter earned the victory 7-6, 6-4.
After the match, Potter said he was focused primarily on doing whatever it took to beat his opponent.
“Try to hit the ball one more time than he does,” he said.
The match also acted as senior day for the lone senior on the team, Ben Belisle, who was given the honor of announcing the high school’s singles and doubles players.
The fifth-seeded Vineyarders play the fourth-ranked Wilmington High School Wildcats in an away game Saturday at 3 p.m. in the quarter-final round of the state tournament.
“No rest for the weary,” Mr. Bates said.
Holding an ice pack to his wrist, Potter said the team is excited to continue their playoff run.
“It’s going to be a long ride, but we’re ready,” he said.
