Blue Devils Complete Turnaround with Playoff Berth

The Huntington boys’ varsity tennis team is in the midst of a splendid year-to-year turnaround, going from two wins in 2023 to the county playoffs this spring. The Blue Devils are currently 7-6 with one regular season meet remaining on the schedule.

Huntington nipped Hauppauge, 4-3 in a thriller last Friday afternoon to clinch a spot in the Suffolk playoffs. “It’s a remarkable turnaround considering last season’s record,” veteran head coach Jamie Fishlow said. “With essentially the same team returning and the addition of two new freshmen added to the lineup, the team has improved significantly through hard work and great teamwork. Although it is an individual sport, it is essential to build teamwork throughout the lineup to achieve success Working hard in practice and being very coachable has reaped benefits on the court.”

Last Friday’s meet against Hauppauge came down to the final match on the court after Huntington swept three singles matches and the Eagles captured three doubles contest. The fourth and final doubles match-up proved to be long, but memorable battle.

Juniors Ryan Scanlon (6-2, 6-0) and Nick Plachta (6-2, 6-3) playing in the No. 1 and No. 2 singles positions, respectively won in straight sets as did senior Tyler Godin in No. 3 singles, 7-5, 6-0.

Leading 3-0, the Blue Devils weren’t across the finish line just yet. Hauppauge’s second doubles team defeated Huntington’s Ryan Ramirez and Jake Chiclacos 6-4, 6-2 to make the score 3-1. The next match to come off the court was the Blue Devils’ No. 1 doubles team of Marin Mullaly and Evan Persampire, who lost a hard fought three set marathon 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5).

With Huntington leading 3-2 and two matches still on the court, anything was possible The Blue Devils’ No. 3 doubles team consisting of James Masler and Ryan Donovan played well, but fell in an exciting battle, 6-4, 6-4 to deadlock the meet score at 3-3.

All eyes were now cast on the No. 4 doubles match, which took more than three sets and three hours to complete. Huntington’s Dalton Flynn and Jackson Poli proved to up to the task at hand and handled the pressure well, with the entire Blue Devil roster, including Juan Vera and Edgar Vidal huddled nearby. Flynn and Jackson made their points when it counted the most to win 6-4, 6-7 (7-4), 7-6 (7-4). The team raced out onto the court to celebrate with their teammates as dusk was rapidly approaching.

After the thrilling victory, players, parents, family members and Coach Fishlow celebrated Tyler Godin and Juan Vera on Senior Day. Fishlow gave a short heartfelt talk about what the two teenagers have meant to the program as they stood alongside posters commemorating their special day.

Parents provided festive decorations, refreshments and player plaques. “I’d like to thank all of the parents who pitched in to make this such a special day for everyone,” Fishlow said.