The week ended on a sour note for the Saint Ignatius varsity tennis team, but there is nothing to be ashamed of.
The Wildcats experienced their first defeat of the season on Friday, a narrow 3-2 decision at the hands of a talented and deep University School squad. The loss dropped the Tennis Cats to 9-1, ending an otherwise positive week.
The difference in the match was an inability to close out sets for the Wildcats.
The problem did not appear in No. 1 singles, though. Arjun Brahmbhatt stayed undefeated and continued his banner 2018 campaign. The sophomore struggled with Chas Norman of US at first, losing the first set, 1-6. Then Brahmbhatt adjusted and fought tooth and nail. Brahmbhatt earned 7-5 and 10-8 victories in sets 2 and 3, locking down another impressive triumph in the young season.
The Wildcats' No. 2 doubles man, Brian Zhu, could not follow up with a win. The senior drew a 3-6, 1-6 defeat at the hands of Charlie Joranko for his first defeat of the season.
Drew Barclay also was dealt a defeat at No. 3 singles. Barclay battled hard, but ultimately was defeated, 5-7, 3-6.
The onus then fell on the Wildcats' doubles squads to earn a victory.
The No. 1 doubles team of Richie Hofstra and Nate Day, paired earlier in the week, did their part. The Wildcats' duo clawed their way to a 7-6, 6-4 win over a talented team from University School.
The Cats' No. 2 doubles team could not earn the win over a dynamic Preppers' combo. The "Jacks" duo (Jack McNally and Jack Showman) were defeated by University School's duo, 5-7, 2-6.
Following a break for the weekend, the Tennis Cats return to action on Monday, hosting Mayfield at Magnificat High School at 4:30 pm. Matches with Hudson (Tuesday), St. Edward (Wednesday), Brecksville-Broadview Heights (Thursday), and Kenston (Friday) also await the Cats in an action-packed week.
JV Success: As reported by JV Coach Nick Siciliano, the JV Tennis Cats captured an impressive 3-2 victory over the Preppers on Friday. With the win, the Wildcats now stand at 4-2 overall.