Published in the June 20, 2018 edition

By DAN TOMASELLO

NEWTON — A season to remember for the boys’ tennis team came to a close when the first seeded Pioneers fell 3-2 to sixth seed Weston in the Division 3 North finals at Newton South High School on Thursday, June 14.

“I feel for the boys because they are disappointed, but they have nothing to be disappointed about,” said Pioneers head coach Joe Dunn after the match. “They fought hard all year long and made it to this point. They gave it 100 percent.”

THE BOYS’ TENNIS TEAM displays the Division 3 North sectional runner-up trophy following the Pioneers’ 3-2 loss to Weston on June 14. From left, Pioneers head coach Joe Dunn, Michael Gentile, Andy DePalmer, Max Rothermund, Lorenzo Russo, Jamil Khodr, Arlex Correa, Colin Lamusta, Nick Dow, Michael Maffeo, Andrew Seelig, David Gentile and Matt Gunning. (Dan Tomasello Photo)

The Pioneers’ two-and-half hour match against the defending champion Wildcats was a battle from start to finish. The sectional championship came down to an intense and exciting three-set third singles battle between senior captain Colin Lamusta and freshman Josh Li.

Lamusta managed to secure a 6-4 first set victory, but Li was able to rally during the second set as Lamusta fell 6-7 (3-7). Lamusta fought tooth and nail during the third set, but came up short 3-6.

“Colin couldn’t have done any better,” said Dunn. “I told him at our breaks ‘I want you to keep moving forward and put the pressure on him.’ He won a lot of the points and lost a few of them too. That was his game. He was taking charge. I didn’t want him to sit back and just play easy tennis. I am proud of the way he took charge. He fought hard the whole way and I am very proud of him.”

The Pioneers won both of its doubles matches. The first doubles tandem featuring Lorenzo Russo and Michael Gentile dismantled their Weston opponents in two sets, 6-1, 6-2.

SENIOR CAPTAIN Colin Lamusta gave a valiant effort during his third singles match in the Division 3 North finals against Weston on June 14. (Dan Tomasello Photo)

“Lorenzo and Michael have been doing it all year long,” said Dunn. “You don’t get anything by either one of them. If you slam it, Lorenzo is going to get it back to you. And if you get it by Lorenzo and they come to the net, forget it because Michael is going to take the cover off the ball and you are risking your life.”

The second doubles duo — Jamil Khodv and David Gentile — won their match in straight sets, 7-5, 6-2.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the way they played their match,” said Dunn. “They have never been in a big forum where everyone is cheering them on. It was a great match point. Jamil set David up, and David put the match point away.”

Senior Max Rothermund lost his first singles match in two sets, 0-6, 3-6, to Masaki Nawa.

Senior captain Arlex Correa at second singles fell to Jacob Gilligan in straight sets, 2-6, 2-6.

Dunn commended Rothermund and Correa’s performances against Weston.

SENIOR Max Rothermund lost his first singles match in straight sets during the boys’ tennis team’s 3-2 loss to Weston in the Division 3 North finals on June 14. (Dan Tomasello Photo)

“They had some tough opponents, but they had some great rallies,” said Dunn. “Max was driving his opponent crazy with his spins and drop shots. It was close during the second set. In second singles, Arlex was hitting the ball with the same amount of pace as (Gilligan), but we were falling one point short. It was a lot of deuces.”

The Pioneers finished the season with a 17-1 overall record.

Dunn praised the Pioneers’ strong play against the defending champions.

“Weston just had a stronger team than we did today,” said Dunn. “Everybody was a little bit cautious because there was a lot at stake. Both teams played well, and I have to say hat’s off to the boys on both sides.”

The Pioneers were crowned North sectional champions during their last finals appearance in 1986.

“Hopefully we will be back here next year,” said Dunn.

Dunn attributed the Pioneers’ success this season to the players’ determination and work ethic.

“The team clicked throughout the whole year and played hard,” said Dunn. “They played over the winter and played last summer. I could tell they stepped it up and they did it because they love the game. When we went through the season, I didn’t want anybody to say ‘we are undefeated.’ I look at one match at a time, and I was trying to get the kids focused on that. If they got their head too far ahead of them, they would lose their focus. They didn’t lose their focus, and we are here. Hopefully we will be here again and take the next one.”

Dunn said he enjoyed coaching the Pioneers this season.

“It was fun,” said Dunn. “I love being part of this team from starting our workouts in the snow to getting to the finals at Newton South. I knew when I came here, win or loose, I have no complaints. I am really happy for the team.”