H-ton JV Boys’ Tennis Enjoys Turnaround Season

One year after it struggled to put a full complement of players on the court, the Blue Devil JV tennis team won six matches and finished the spring season with a roster of ten.

Coached by Robert Gilmor III, the squad featured a mix of veterans and newcomers. “Each of the players offered something very important to our team’s success,” the coach said. “I saw the most improvement from Estyven Arreanga-Merida and Jeremyah Leiva because on March 11, they picked up a racquet for the first time and by the end of the season they were both competing at a much higher level.”

The Huntington JV topped Copiague, Northport, Walt Whitman, Smithtown East, John H. Glenn and Kings Park. The Blue Devils and Riverhead battled to a 3-3 standoff.

“Ronan Driscoll was a strong first singles player from the beginning of the season and through hard work was able to have great success in a very important position,” Gilmor said. “Lucas Biancardo took over No. 1 singles when Ronan was hurt and did a great job holding down that position. Quinn Rinaldi was very flexible playing singles and doubles throughout the season and was a key part of our winning season. Sam Soric and Edgar Vidal were a strong combination at the first doubles position. Together they were able to have great success. Eoin Charles, as a returning player, was always eager to go above and beyond to work on his game, so that he could remain successful on the court.”

Sophomore Kevin Dominguez was another of the Blue Devils’ committed players and he slowly climbed the ladder and remained a formidable foe for opponents throughout the spring.

“Estyven Arreaga-Merida and Jeremyah Leiva had to be the most improved players on the team,” Gilmor said. “Their hard work, willingness to listen and dedication to put in the extra work allowed them to achieve great success on the court. Nikolay Caldwell was an excellent addition to the team. His hard work allowed him and his partner to have success through the season. Aiden Clarke, also a returning player, was a very important part to our team when he was able to attend. Each of the players understand that only with hard work in the off season, will they see the promised success they all wish to realize.”

The Huntington JV’s renewed competitiveness pleased everyone, especially Gilmor. “I’m beyond happy with the amazing hard work of all the players and I remain very hopeful that we will attract more players to the team next spring,” he said.

Driscoll went 4-1 in singles while Rinaldi was 3-0 in singles play and 4-3 in doubles. Arreaga-Merida compiled an 8-3 mark in doubles and Caldwell was 7-3. Soric and Dominguez both won four doubles matches. Leiva went 5-3 in doubles.

With the varsity losing only two players to graduation, the high school program is in a position to solidify its roster numbers, especially with current eighth graders at Finley coming up to the JV and varsity next year.