Blazers pull out a tough win

APRIL 4, BLAZER TENNIS COURTS –

The Blair boys' tennis team defeated the Whitman Vikings today in what turned out to be a very close game. The Blazers won 4-3 to remain undefeated at 7-0, while Whitman was dealt its second loss this season against county teams, the other loss coming against Wootton. The weather conditions, especially the wind gusts, made it difficult for both sides to play their best tennis, according to Coach David Ngbea. "Everyone was afraid of swinging out [on their shots]," said Ngbea.

Going into the game, the Blazers expected a battle because the Vikings have consistently been ranked among the top teams in the county. Whitman has had Blair's number in the past, winning the last few meetings. Senior captain Greg Howard went as far as calling this victory one of the most impressive on his four years on the tennis team. "[The win was] pretty awesome. [It was a] really big win for Blair and probably, the biggest win since I have been here," he said.

Howard teamed with his partner, freshman Charles Kong, to defeat the first Whitman doubles team in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3. Sophomore Michael Hsu also had a strong performance playing fourth singles, defeating Kirby Mayo 6-1, 6-2. However, Blair's other two wins took longer and were much more difficult to secure.

Blair's third singles player, junior Eric Su, who won 6-1, 5-7, 6-2, was proud of his rebound from a second set loss to win the third and final set. "I pulled through in the end," said Su. The third doubles team, composed of senior Michael Benfield and junior Andrew Ding, showed some resilience of their own, coming back from losing the first set, 1-6, to take the next two, 6-4, 6-4.

Ngbea pointed out that either of these two matches could have gone the other way so Blair could have "easily lost."

Maybe one of the reasons the Blazers, especially the third doubles team, won was because of their experience with adverse weather conditions. "[The wind] was a big hindrance to our game but we have practiced in these conditions before," said Ding. Ngbea also had a special pregame meeting with the team, emphasizing to his players that they "keep the ball between the lines."

The Blazers have five games remaining and two especially tough ones on the road against Churchill and Wootton. Howard hopes that this match can be a stepping stone for better things to come. "I certainly think we have a good chance against [Churchill and Wootton]," Howard said.

Ngbea enjoyed the win but believes the team's goals for the season are far from accomplished. "[The match was a] good win for us, but [Whitman] lost to Wootton, meaning that stronger competition is still out there," Ngbea declared.

Blair's next home match is against Magruder on April 26 at 3:30 p.m.