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Valley Boys’ Tennis Has a Year to Remember

With the bulk of last year’s club returning, Head Coach Callie Riggio felt that the Valley Regional boys’ tennis team had the potential to put together a strong season in 2022. The Warriors accomplished that task and then some by winning the Shoreline Conference title and having several athletes claim gold in the league’s individual tournaments.

Valley went undefeated during the regular season on its way to an overall record of 13-1 this spring. The Warriors completed regular-season play as Shoreline Conference champions and earned the No. 1 seed in the Class S State Tournament.

“This season, our main varsity roster included all returning players. I had high expectations that the boys would be very successful,” Coach Riggio said. “Our goal was to win the Shoreline Conference, which we accomplished and achieved very well.”

Out of Valley’s 13 regular-season victories, six of those wins came via 7-0 sweeps. That included a 7-0 win over Cromwell on May 9 that clinched the Shoreline Conference crown for the Warriors.

Coach Riggio said that her players never let up and battled every time they were on the court throughout the season. Riggio felt the Warriors’ success this year demonstrated the strength of the program.

“The team played with determination, grit, and perseverance. Each player fought for every point and did not give up,” said Riggio. “The team as a whole deserved every win they received. It showed other teams that Valley is a force to be reckoned with. We continued to fight, stayed strong, and stuck together as a team.”

After taking the team title, Valley had two athletes win championships at the Shoreline Conference’s individual tournaments. Senior captain Nic Wyszkowski won the 1-2 Singles Tournament by earning a 6-2, 2-6, 6-2 victory over Joseph Morse in the final. Fellow senior captain Hayden Lombardi claimed the title for the 3-4 Singles Tournament with a 7-5, 6-4 win versus teammate and fellow senior James Whittaker in the championship match. The team of senior Kaid Matesky and junior Aidan Garrity reached the final of the Doubles Tournament.

Valley was also represented by sophomore Thomas Dahl in the 1-2 singles bracket at the event. The Warriors’ duo of sophomore Charlie Whelan and freshman Shep Whitney competed in the doubles tourney, as did the tandem of senior Sawyer Joy and senior Peter Fitton.

Following Shorelines, Valley participated in the Class S State Tournament as the No. 1 seed. The Warriors took a 6-1 loss to Suffield in a first-round matchup to finish the year with an overall mark of 13-1.

Coach Riggio said that Valley’s strong performance was matched by the class that her players showed this season. Riggio felt proud to see the Warriors display great sportsmanship on the court. This year’s team wanted to have an excellent showing and win every match, but Valley’s athletes also wanted to be respected for the way they played the game, regardless of the outcome.

“Over the course of the season, the team learned patience, confidence and integrity,” Riggio said. “When a player won their match, they always shook their opponent’s hand. Every player held a strong passion to make Valley known and to do it collectively, supporting each other.”

With some big-time goals heading into the season, Coach Riggio knew that the Warriors would have to put in the work in order to succeed. That became a challenge when Valley showed up to its first practices with its courts in “disarray,” as Riggio described it. However, the Warriors remained unfazed and worked hard to overcome every obstacle on their road to improving both individually and collectively.

“As a team, the boys completed multiple drills that targeted their skills, endurance, and agility,” said Riggio. “The team’s spirit continually stayed positive and determined throughout the season.”

This year, Valley was led by a pair of senior captains in Wyszkowski and Lombardi, who have each been on the team since they were freshmen. Coach Riggio said that both captains were strong leaders who were always motivating and encouraging their teammates. Riggio also credited Matesky for stepping up to the plate as a leader by guiding the younger players on the squad.

Wyszkowski and Lombardi were co-recipients of the Valley Regional boys’ tennis team’s Warrior Award this year. Matesky won the Unsung Hero Award for Valley. Whittaker was named Valley’s Most Valuable Player, sophomore Willem Fitton was selected as the Most Improved Player, and Joy received the team’s Sportsmanship Award to cap off his senior season. Valley’s roster for the 2022 campaign also included sophomore Lucas Silva and freshman Ed Johnson.

Coach Riggio said that Valley’s athletes brought determination to every match and never took any opponent for granted in its way to having a spectacular season. When her team steps back on the court next year, Riggio will be looking for the returning Warriors to maintain that trend and do everything they can to ensure that the program sees continued success.

“The team has always been inclusive and supportive. We are a very special team in that we treat everyone with kindness and positive attitudes. We create a family atmosphere,” Riggio said. “Although it is a competitive sport, it should be treated as a safe place for players.”