Boys Tennis Advances to Sectional Semifinals

The Summit boys tennis team is causing a stir in the NJSIAA sectional state tournament.

On Monday, No. 6 seed Summit upended No. 3 seed Cinnaminson, 4-1, in the Central Jersey, Group 2 quarterfinals and advanced to play at No. 2 Shore Regional (12-3) Thursday in West Long Branch in the semifinals.

Summit (8-3), which finished ninth in the Union County Tournament in late April, has won four straight and seven of their last eight matches.

"The team has responded in a positive way. They are eager to be successful, but more importantly, each young man has a desire to prepare to be successful," Summit coach Brian Erickson said, who took over for former coach Paul Chaput on May 3. "It was not easy to step in as head coach halfway through the season. My first practice, I asked the team what they wanted from me the rest of the season. Each of the players talked about getting better individually. The team truly wants to compete for a team championship. From that point, we have had spirited competition at every position as well as, detailed skill work. I am enjoying every moment with this team," Erickson added.

Summit is led by senior Max Pollinger (6-4) at first singles, who placed sixth in the Union County Tournament in late April and sophomore Gabe Rissman (6-4) at second singles. Senior Connor Kastembaum (5-4) rounds out the singles trio.

Seniors Tom Alexander and Carlo Stadlinger (5-2) lead first doubles and freshman Matt Celona and junior Eric Hermann (6-1), team up for second doubles, with their only loss coming in a first doubles match earlier this season.