'Hopefully, we're battle tested': Shrewsbury boys' tennis thrives after slow start
A pundit would proclaim that Shrewsbury High's boys' tennis program is a work in process, in a positive way. And there's no denying that, as the Colonials practice hard, often seven days a week. And the hours vary, occasionally in the morning, sometimes late in the afternoon.
Against that backdrop, what about hitting on a chilly morning during April vacation? No problem. Motivated by a commitment to team play, the motivating mindset is to get better and better, day by day. And challenge matches? No big deal. The Shrewsbury players enjoy competing against each other in an effort to move higher in the pecking order.
Coach Josh Handy is happy to report that the process indeed is working well. Despite playing five of its first six matches on the road, the Colonials have started strong, beginning this week 4-2. With a 1-2 start in the past, Shrewsbury has won three straight matches, along the way, capturing 14 of a possible 15 individual contests.
After defeating Nashoba Regional, 4-1, in their season opener, the Colonials exited Central Mass., playing Bedford and Wayland, the two teams that played in the Division 3 state final last year. Shrewsbury lost both matches, with the Bedford contest a close one at 3-2. The Colonials followed with victories over Wachusett Regional and Hopedale High, traditional Central Mass. heavyweights, and Western Mass. powerhouse Longmeadow.
Shrewsbury has shown considerable strength in singles during the season's early weeks. The top singles hitters are junior captain Krish Gupta at No. 1, freshman standout Tysan Dang at No. 2, and senior captain Mihir Patil at No. 3.
"Krish is off to a hot start at 5-1, and he's showing a lot of fight and composure out there, winning four of his five matches in three sets," Handy said. "Tysan is a tournament player so, despite his age, he's played very well in the big moments, with wins against older players from Nashoba, Wachusett, Hopedale and Longmeadow. As we continue to improve his volleying, he'll be more dangerous as the season moves along.
"Mihir started off slow trying to find his rhythm, but he's come on strong with three straight wins," Handy added. "It was actually a tough three set loss against a really strong player from Wayland that turned things around for Mihir and raised his confidence. Every day finds Mihir moving better and striking the ball cleaner as he gets his reps in."
"Our team is off to a good start, and all the guys are playing well, including our singles players," Patil said. "We have had a pretty tough schedule, but we've played through it, and worked things out. The two real difficult matches were against Wayland and Bedford. Moving forward, things are looking good. We've got a bunch of dogs guys who are really hard workers."
Though part of his high school tennis career was sidetracked by COVID-19, Patil has enjoyed his tennis run at Shrewsbury.
"It's been fun, and I think that I've improved," Patil said. "Beginning of sophomore year, my confidence was really low, but that has changed. The more I played, the more my confidence grew. With more confidence as a player, I feel better about my strokes. My backhand is pretty good and so are my groundstrokes, in general."
"I enjoy getting out on the court and playing tennis," Patil added. "It's pretty much 12 months a year for me. And it's something to do. I just really enjoy the individual aspect of tennis. But we've got a really good team, too, and that's very important."
Patil plans on attending the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He hopes to keep playing tennis, perhaps at the club level. Patil plans on studying computers.
The Colonials have depth in doubles with six players rotating into the lineup.
"Having this kind of depth really makes for some interesting and intense practices because they're playing for spots almost every other day," Handy said. "Your position has to be earned every day."
Juniors Arjun Kattaria and Pranav Bonthu have been getting most of the court action at No. 1 doubles. The duo has won four of six matches, the biggest a three-set success against Bedford.
Senior doubles partners Raghav Kanzaria and Harish Raja scored big wins against Bedford, Longmeadow and Nashoba, while the doubles team of seniors Jeev Sharma and Srikar Jemolla are undefeated with wins against Nashoba, Hopedale and Wachusett. Handy added that the six doubles players have been focusing on moving as a team, and some different, more advanced formations.
"Doubles and singles have been playing well — I think we have a good shot at a district championship," Kanzaria said. "I'm looking forward to this season. Last year, I had was injured (back), so it was a little disappointing as I wanted to contribute. This year, I'm healthy, and the team is healthy. We're battled tested, we have the tough schedule."
Though injuries and COVID-19 have impacted Kanzaria's high school career, he retains an upbeat demeanor and wants to close out his high school career strong.
"The team is doing good and I'm doing good, and I've personally lost just one match this season, and that was a tough one," Kanzaria said. "Playing doubles is a lot of fun. You've got to have the chemistry and communication with your playing partner. You have to know just when your partner is going to be aggressive or passive. You've also got to have a good serve. Groundstrokes are important, but you also have to be able to volley effectively."
Kanzaria, who plans on attending Dartmouth College and study chemistry, enjoys the individuality of tennis and coins it "an elegant sport."
Shrewsbury is in the midst of a tough run this week, with a rematch against Bedford on the docket as well as matches against rivals Algonquin Regional and St. John's.
"Our schedule is tough, trying to build strength of schedule points, so there are no cupcake matches," Handy said. "Hopefully, we're battle tested and prepared for the Central Mass. and state tournaments at the end of the year."
Coaching changes
Former Sutton High tennis coach Dennis Stamos has returned to the program, taking over as the boys' tennis coach. He replaces Susan Rothermich, who replaced Stamos as the boys' coach several seasons ago.
Former West Boylston High boys' tennis coach Peter Crowley is the new girls' tennis coach at Shrewsbury High. He replaces Alesia Raczelowski. Crowley also has been an assistant girls' tennis coach at Wachusett Regional High School.
Michelle Graves is the new boys' tennis coach at Whitinsville Christian, replacing Nathan Lookwhy, a former Whitinsville Christian tennis standout.
—Contact Craig Holt at sports@telegram.com.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Competitive Shrewsbury boys' tennis team thrives after slow start
