The BRHS boys tennis team’s record improved to 6-1 this week, with wins against Mt. Abram, Spruce Mountain and Winthrop.

At Mt. Abram on May 1, Boothbay won the match, 5-0. In first singles play, Nick Gorey beat Chad Fenwick, 6-1, 6-0. Sam Schwehm won 6-2, 6-1, against Chris Daly in second singles and in third singles, Brady Duncan defeated Sam Warren, 6-2, 6-0.

In doubles play, the team of Ethan Walker and Dan Drummond won 6-0, 6-0 against Kevin Smith and Jay Ruggiero. Ben Betts and Ray Perry won 6-0, 6-0 against Lane Burgess and Noah Patnaude in second doubles.

In exhibition play, Collin Thompson and Quinn Pickett won 6-0, 6-1 against          Kevin Smith and Noah Patnaude.

Coach Mark Gorey reports, “Although the ride to Mt. Abram was long, the weather there was pleasant, almost too pleasant, lulling players into a beach-like lethargy. We had a good day, winning all of our matches decisively, including Collin Thompson and Quinn Pickett who played exhibition.”

On May 3 at home, Boothbay defeated Spruce Mountain, 4-1, losing only a close first singles match.

In first singles, Gorey was defeated by Zach Baillargeon, 11-9. Schwehm won 10-3 against Alex Hartford in second singles and Duncan beat Mike Paradis 10-1 in third singles.

In doubles play, Walker and Drummond won 10-4 against Nick Guild and Jacob Luce in first doubles. The second doubles team of Stevens and Perry won 10-6 against Chris Floyd and Dan Barry.

Coach Gorey reports, “With recent losses to tough teams such as Hall Dale, Madison, and St. Dom’s, Spruce Mountain came to Boothbay hungry for a win. Sam and Brady won easily at second and third singles respectively.”

“Eventually winning at first singles, Spruce Mountain senior Zach Baillargeon had his hands full with freshman Nick, who can trade ball after ball and elicit errors. Nick matures with each match, as he recognizes the need to be patient until the right opportunity presents itself.”

At Winthrop on May 6, Boothbay Region boys tennis picked up their their third win of the week.

In first singles play, Gorey lost to Aaron St. Pierre, 10-7 and in third singles, Duncan lost to Alex Chamberland, 10-4. Schwehm, at second singles won the only singles match of the day against Declan Chu, in a tiebreaker, 10-10 (8-6).

In first doubles, Walker and Drummond  won 10-6 against Kevin Chamberland and Justin Lapointe and in second doubles, Betts and Perry beat Nick Schlosser and Mitch Ketchen, 10-8.

Coach Gorey reports, “Facing Winthrop, I expected a bigger challenge. Normally we would play 2 out of 3 sets at Winthrop, but one of the Winthrop nets had been damaged, and I asked Coach Shehata if we could play 10 game pro sets on only three courts. “

“At #1 singles for Winthrop, senior Aaron St. Pierre is one of the stronger players in our conference. It’s very tough to break his serve.His first serve is fairly consistent and packs a lot of pace,and his second kicks. When they came off at the half, Nick, however, led 6-4.  St. Pierre prevailed, but when they came off the court, St. Pierre

showed excellent sportsmanship as he complimented Nick’s play.”

“Going on the attack, Sam initially led 3–0; once Winthrop senior Declan Chu’s forehand warmed, however, he began to take more points. Sam held his focus and nerve through the final points of the tiebreaker, a nail biter match,and a critical win for us.”

“Brady was dealing with allergies that hampered his ability to see well, and his opponent Alex Chamberland proved to be quite skilled.”

“Our doubles’ play tipped the balance in our favor. Ethan and Daniel have great “chemistry” on the court; they are both agile and mobile, and seize opportunities for volley winners. Joining Ben at #2 doubles, Ray Perry is able to hit aggressive service returns and brings a steely mindset to the pivotal points. Ben can hammer forehands to elicit errors.”

Boothbay faces Carrabec at home on Wednesday and an undefeated Hall Dale team on Friday at Hall Dale.

“We should do well against Carrabec at home on Wednesday," May 8, Coach Gorey said. “Friday we play away at Hall Dale, who will be our toughest opponents in the regular season. We will have to play the best tennis of our season to win.”

Sue Mello can be reached at 207-844-4629 or sumello@boothbayregister.com.