The Boothbay Region High School boys tennis team played long and hard May 30 against North Yarmouth Academy, but ultimately came up short, losing the match 5-0.

In matches that stretched from 2:30 until 7 p.m., spectators were treated to some excellent games, spectacular volleys and consistently fine sportsmanship by all.

BRHS went into the first playoff match seeded third while NYA was seeded sixth in Class C. But seeding at the high school level can be misleading.

As Coach Mark Gorey explains, “The MPA seeding is deceptive because it's simply based on one's match record.

“Although they were below us with an 8-4 record, North Yarmouth Academy played very strong Class B teams, including Cape Elizabeth and Falmouth, during their regular season. We do not face these teams,” Gorey said.

At first singles, freshman Nick Gorey faced NYA’s Burke Paxton.

Paxton, a senior, is one of the top boys tennis players in the state, currently ranked 11th. That Gorey could hold his own against Paxton and won some excellent points, speaks volumes about his future at BRHS. Paxton did prevail, winning in two sets, 6-1, 6-1.

The other matches of the day were more even, but in all but second doubles play, Boothbay’s boys seemed to lose steam in the second decisive set of the match. Every match served up some great volleys and the crowd erupted into applause several times throughout the afternoon.

At second singles, senior Sam Schwehm faced junior Bryce Tetreault. The pair provided some of the most exciting volleys of the day in their first set, which ended 6-4 in Tetreault’s favor. The second set was all Tetreault, however, and Schwehm seemed unable to find his usual pace and calm. Tetreault took the second set, 6-0.

At third singles, senior Brady Duncan held his own against sophomore Brad Potter during the first match, which ended 6-4 in Potter’s favor. Potter dominated the second match, taking it easily, 6-2.

The first doubles team of junior Ethan Walker and freshman Daniel Drummond, who have enjoyed great success this season, also came up short against senior Ryan Walters and junior Max Maurer. Walker and Drummond lost the first set 5-7, but fell 2-6 in the second.

Second doubles partners junior Brad Betts and freshman Ray Perry battled the closest games and match of the day. Betts was incredibly consistent throughout the match and Perry delivered some timely saves.

The Seahawks doubles team barely dropped the first set to freshman Mark Mahoney and sophomore Mark Snyder, 5-7 and came back to win the second decisively, 6-3. They ultimately lost in the tiebreaker 6-7 (6-8).

Coach Mark Gorey offered the following comments on the season, “Last year, we finished the regular season with a 5 and 7 record; this year we improved to 10 and 2, an accomplishment in which we take great pride. Out of eight Class C West playoff teams, we were the third seed behind St. Dom’s and Hall Dale.”

“I attribute our greater success this year to the continued strength our seniors brought back, in tandem with a real injection of speed and agility, as well as skill from our first year players. These players now take up the mantle as we work toward next season,” Gorey said.

“If we can get the new courts built, our students will see that the Board of Trustees backs tennis as an integral sport on this peninsula.

“We need to build more interest at the middle school level in order for our team to continue to be competitive against the best teams in our conference; NYA has a middle school program. We need to get racquets in players’ hands sooner.”

“It’s all about building skills and building belief,” Gorey said.

To see video of the playoff match, go to www.boothbayregister.com.

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

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