In a rematch from the 2022 Western Massachusetts Class C finals, the PVCICS and Lenox boys tennis teams met again on Friday in similar circumstances.
In 2022, the Dragons beat the Millionaires 4-1 to win their first WMass title.
As history continued to repeat itself, PVCICS came out on top once again and took down Lenox 4-1. But this time, it was to defend the title from Pittsfield in the Bousquet Fitness Indoor Courts.
Yet, this win was not easy as PVCICS was without seniors James and Teddy Scott, its first doubles team, and four other players since it was also Prom Night.
“This was a very satisfying victory to accomplish a three-peat in the Western Mass. championships,” PVCICS coach Michael Locher said. “Because of the weather and the MIAA interfering with our tournament, we had to play without six players today, including senior captain James Scott, his brother Teddy Scott, and our undefeated first doubles team.”
However, other players on the Dragon’s squad stepped up to fill the absences.
PVCICS swept in singles play, as Lee Ferguson and Derek Ye each only gave up four sets to their opponents, easily winning their respective matches
In third-team singles and a chance to clinch the title, Devan Ye stormed back after being a set down in his match to win 3-6, 6-2, 6-1.
In place of the Scott duo, Simon Speek and Ethan Wang took over on first-team doubles and also had a comeback victory. They dropped the first set 2-6 and then won the following two at 6-4 and 10-7.
In the Dragons’ five-year program existence, they have reached the Class C finals four times and have won the last three. Now, PVCICS will look to the state tournament, where they made it all the way to the semifinals last year.
With hopes of replicating a similar run, the Dragons (16-2) will begin the Division IV tournament at No. 10 and host No. 23 Joseph Case in the Round of 32, with a time and date to be announced.
Lenox, meanwhile, sits at No. 11 and will host No. 22 Dennis-Yarmouth in the D-IV tournament.
“But the fact that we could beat undefeated Lenox in their neighborhood with no player older than tenth grade is a tribute to this team’s heart, talent, and promise,” Locher said. “And even though I wish Teddy and James had been able to be there for their fourth appearance in the Western Mass. finals in four years, the future looks bright for the young Dragons.
“Hats off to Lee (seventh grade), Derek (ninth grade), Devan (ninth grade), Simon (ninth grade), and Ethan (ninth grade) for winning today. As a coach, I certainly can’t complain that I’ve got this talent with years to play for the school.”
