Category: Park Feature

Bruins edge Severn in a two-day epic final

With its first MIAA tennis championship years in the making, an extra day of waiting did not matter so much to the Park School tennis team after it finished off a 3-2 win over Severn School in the MIAA B Conference tennis championship match, on Friday.

The match actually began on Thursday but had to be halted halfway through when interrupted by heavy rains.

The Bruins secure their points from Jacob Hirschhorn, who prevailed 7-6 (7-5), 3-6, 6-4 at No. 2 singles and Xandi Egginton, who swept to a 6-1, 6-3 victory at No. 2 singles, as well as the No. 2 doubles team of Zach Sirody and Aaron Hirschhorn, who clinch things on Friday with a 7-5, 2-6, 7-5 win.

"I honestly couldn't have gotten through it without the kids' work ethic and willingness to learn, and great help from our other coaches (John White, George Salmeron & Betty Medalie),” said Park head coach Deja Stewart. “The parents have been a great support system throughout the season and it is much appreciated.”

Senior captain Xandi Egginton described the team’s response.

“All the seniors wanted it so badly and showed it in everything we did,” said Egginton. “Everyone else was young and listened, and felt that urgency.

“I’ve seen sometimes where some bring down the team moral for one reason or another, but that wasn't the case this season, none of that. People didn't let their egos get the best of them. Everything can be so powerful when everyone is pulling in the same direction toward the same goal."

Coach Stewart sited the difficulty of managing the weather this spring.

“It has been a tricky season dealing with the mystery weather we seem to get every week, but the boys, coaches and parents have shown great flexibility in adjusting to the schedule,” said Stewart. “At one point, we played five matches in five days, and were one win away from being undefeated in the regular season (8-1 record).

“Even though tennis is largely thought of as an individual sport, it has been eye-opening and refreshing to see the way the boys keep each other motivated, accountable and and dedicated to a single goal.”