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06/10/2024 02:09 AMThe Hand boys' tennis team has crafted itself quite a pedigree and reputation in the SCC and entire state of Connecticut as one of the preeminent postseason powerhouse programs. While the Tigers did not tangibly add to that rep, they more than continued to earn respect by fighting diligently each day.
Following a 13-6 regular season mark and SCC Tournament semifinal berth, the Tigers entered the draw of the Class M State Tournament as the 11th seed. It was from that spot that the Tigers went on a seemingly Cinderella run through the bracket. They first upended No. 6 East Lyme 6-1 in the first round on May 24 prior to dispatching third-seeded Berlin by a 5-2 count in a quarterfinal on May 28. Then, Hand took care of No. 7 Weston with another 5-2 win in the semifinals on May 29.
Finally, facing off with No. 12 Avon in the final for the crown on May 30, the Tigers saw the amazing ride come to a close with a hard-fought 5-2 loss. Hand still finished a tremendous campaign with an overall record of 17-8.
“When they ask you to wrap up your season, it sounds complicated,” said Head Coach Dawn Fagerquist. “Thinking about how our season played out, and as I look at my Top 10 [referring to the varsity lineup] and how we battled through the season, it would make any coach proud. We weren’t as strong as we were in past years, but I had 10 guys who fought hard and who put everything they had into matches. We won against teams that we should have beat and lost to teams that we should.”
The Tigers’ campaign captains included Elliott Booth and Will Dodd, who both served as strong leaders of the 2024 edition of the club. Fagerquist added that those squad stewards carried out the mission statement for the team, as they ventured into the state tournament following coming up just short in the SCC draw the last two springs.
“After losing in the SCC Final last year and this year in the semifinals, it made my priorities different for the state tournament,” said Fagerquist. “We were actually thinking we could take the state tournament title. So going back to the drawing board, we focused on just that. As we were winning our matches and took down Weston High School in the semifinals, it looked promising. Our accomplishment of getting to the final was such a great feeling.”
Booth also led off the singles’ slate for the Hand lineup this season in match play at the No. 1 singles spot. Matt Vetter, a fellow senior, was right behind him at No. 2. Rounding out the solo docket were sophomore Andrew Seehusen in the third spot, and then his classmate Marcelo Gonzalez was at No. 4.
Moving to the tandem action at doubles, the top team for Hand was comprised of junior Deacon Wilkins and sophomore Paul Fumex. Slated as the No. 2 grouping were senior Gus Hodge and sophomore Gavin Waterman, and then rounding out the roster was No. 3 team in senior William Dodd and sophomore Nathaniel Konstantino.
“Having these 10 guys work hard and having the support of their team made it more meaningful,” said Fagerquist. “So losing the final in a hard-fought match made it more special.”
While certainly more than appreciative of the efforts of the club this year, Fagerquist is ready to start turning the pages towards crafting a fresh new lineup for 2025. Each campaign brings with it a new chapter, though the Tigers will look to stay more than afloat provided everyone gets in their crucial offseason reps with the racquet.
“Next year will be different, due to a new Top 10 [starting lineup] team,” said Fagerquist. “Hopefully this summer and fall, those who didn’t get to play this year will work hard and get ready for the next season. We all know with every new year comes a new season.”
The Hand 2024 roster is comprised of seniors Booth, Dodd, Gus Hodge,Matt Vetter; juniors Aden Chorney, Wilkins, Arda Hatiboglu, Luke Jacobsen; plus sophomores Fumex, Gonzalez, Harrison Hodge, Konstantino, Seehusen, Gabriel Cesar, Alfred Parkyn, Adam Stotz, and Waterman.
2024 Hand Boys’ Tennis Team Regular Season Results
April 1: Hand 7, East Haven 0
April 8: Hand 7, Sheehan 0
April 10: Fairfield Prep 7, Hand 0
April 15: Hand 7, Guilford 0
April 17: Hand 5, Branford 2
April 19: Hall 4, Hand 3
April 22: Hand 7, Cross 0
April 23: Stonington 6, Hand 1
April 24: Hand 7, East Haven 0
April 26: Amity 6, Hand 1
April 29: Hand 6, Weston 1
May 1: Hand 7, Sheehan 0
May 3: Fairfield Prep 5, Hand 2
May 6: Hand 6, Notre Dame-West Haven 1
May 9: Hand 5, Notre Dame-West Haven 2
May 10: Hand 5, Guilford 2
May 13: Hand 6, Fitch 1
May 14: Amity 4, Hand 3
May 17: Hand 7, Cross 0