By RICHIE HALL
CARMEL – A tennis team coached by Dan Brunette won another sectional championship on Thursday.
This time, it was Carmel. The No. 2-ranked Greyhounds claimed their 13th consecutive sectional title (and 36th overall), beating No. 22 Westfield 5-0 at their Todd Witsken Tennis Center. Carmel won all five matches in straight sets in defending yet another title.
It was the first title for Brunette as the Greyhounds’ coach, this after he won several sectional titles (and more) as the North Central coach.
“I’m really proud of where we’ve come so far,” said Brunette. “Obviously, we’re looking forward to taking this further. This is just the start, but it feels good.”
Carmel won all five matches in straight sets. No. 1 singles Jonathan Yang got a little extra playing time, as he had to finish his semi-final match before playing his championship match. No. 3 singles Rocky Li got a tough test from Westfield’s Matt Drozlek, who extended Li to 6-4 before the Carmel sophomore won the second set 6-1.
“If you noticed off the court, they were more together, paid a lot of attention,” said Brunette. The guys on the court were focused all the way through from the first point to the last point. That’s all I can ask for. I just feel great because they’re doing what I’ve asked them to do.”
Brunette also said he’s getting “a lot of support from the administration here. I’m enjoying this ride so far. Looking forward to the future.”
Westfield finished its season with a 13-7 dual record. Shamrocks coach Tony Peters said his team had a “great season,” after graduating its Nos. 1 and 2 singles players from last season. Peters said his team “overall did a better job, had a better record and kind of overachieved a little bit.
“I was proud of the guys,” said Peters. Our seniors were fantastic all year at 1 and 2 with Mitch (Amenta) and Ben (Jones), and it was a great group of guys.”
Westfield’s No. 2 doubles team of Parker Paramoure (left) and Jay Hostetter prepare for a game. (Richie Hall)
ROYALS WIN THRILLER
Fifth-ranked and host Hamilton Southeastern won its fourth straight sectional title on Thursday, edging out No. 11 Fishers in a 3-2 thriller.
The Royals led 2-1 after the Royals’ Paul Schneider won at No. 2 singles, while their No. 1 doubles team of Abhi Chaddha and Nolan Houseman got a 6-3, 6-2 victory. The Tigers’ Aiden Foley was the No. 3 singles winner.
The other two matches went all the way to a third-set tiebreak. Southeastern’s No. 2 doubles team of Logan Bill and Elliott Cox took the tiebreak 7-5, thus clinching the title.
At No. 1 singles, Fishers’ Reese Knoderer won his match in a 7-4 third-set tiebreak. Knoderer’s victory qualifies him for the individual singles tournament, which starts next week.
The Royals will play Tuesday at the Fishers regional.
