The Red Devil boys tennis team opened the season with a 5-0 victory over Carbon on Tuesday, March 17 before compete at a tournament in St. George on Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21, where they went 3-2 in five matches.
Grand boys tennis coach Ed DeFrancia said the Red Devils have been working to figure out their regular lineup during the season’s first few weeks, and after the tournament in St. George, may have it set.
At No. 1 singles is senior Elijah Stock, who advanced to the state semifinals in 2014. He went 3-2 in his St. George matches, which came against larger 3A schools, DeFrancia said.
The No. 2 singles position will be either senior Alec Tatton or sophomore Nolan Beeman, DeFrancia said, while the other will compete in No. 3 singles. Tatton qualified for the state championships at No. 2 singles in 2014 and went 2-3 at the St. George tournament. Beeman went 3-2 in St. George tournament.
Senior Mack Sherrill and junior Tommy DeWitt will play No. 1 doubles, DeFrancia said. He said the pair complement each other well and play together well on the court. Sherrill has a strong serve, while DeWitt is active on the court, DeFrancia said.
At No. 2 doubles, junior Derek Johnson will team up with freshman Elton Jones. The two played together twice in St. George, winning both times, despite falling behind by a considerable margin in one match, DeFrancia said.
“I think the tournament went extremely well,” DeFrancia said. “Everyone played really well and I truly feel like we were in all of our matches. This is probably one of the best teams of seven players we’ve ever had.”
Although a couple of players will be absent from the Red Devils’ next action, a tournament at Uintah on Friday and Saturday, March 27 and 28, DeFrancia said he feels that Grand is up for the challenge.
Several junior varsity players will also be competing at a doubles tournament at Union High School, he said.
“It’s going to be a chance to get some good experience,” DeFrancia said. “It’ll definitely be a fun weekend.”
Coach gives high praise early in season
“This is probably one of the best teams of seven players we’ve ever had.”
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