By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
STURGIS—A dominant showing in doubles helped propel the Otsego boys tennis team past Wolverine Conference rival Sturgis on Monday, Sept. 16.
The Bulldogs swept the four doubles flights to go with one singles win to give them the 5-3 victory.
The win was a historic one for Otsego, as it marked the first victory over Sturgis since the Trojans joined the league.
“I would say this win means a lot to the program, especially where the program was at the time (Otsego head coach A.J. Swoboda) not having a full team,” Otsego assistant coach Tyler Aldrich said. “Going from that to now competing for a conference championship is incredible.”
Swoboda agreed.
“I’m proud of how much our guys have improved from the beginning of the season,” he said. “This year the guys have shown up with the intention of taking the next step and winning matches against teams they haven’t in the past.
“The mental growth from all guys of saying the ‘match isn’t over’ after a bad game or even a bad set and being able to rest and grind out a win is something I am very proud of.”
Wins in the doubles flights came from Maddox Haak/Jacob Austin at No. 1 (6-3, 6-3); Ryan Fieldbrandt/Owen Santman at No. 2 (7-6 (1), 1-6, 6-2); Jaydon Watson/Connor Taylor at No. 3 (7-6 (4), 6-4); and Simon Pobocik/Dillon Campbell at No. 4 (6-0, 3-6, 6-0).
“Our doubles looked the most competitive they have been all season,” Aldrich said. “We had some substitutions in the singles lineup, but they still fought hard.
“We are excited to keep improving with each match and get back to full health.”
No. 2 singles Spencer Shearer won 6-4, 7-5 for Otsego.
“Spencer Shearer won what was one of the most complete matches of his high school career,” Swoboda said.
