ROCKY RIVER, Ohio -- The first few weeks of the Boys' Tennis season have been as much about battling the weather as foes across the net. But the Rocky River Pirates have gotten in seven matches, and they head into the last 10 days of April with some big matches on the horizon.

River opened its season with a 5-0 win over Great Lakes Conference foe Lakewood on March 30. The Pirates clocked another win by that same score over Elyria Catholic March 31.

The Maroon & White tasted defeat for the first time this season when the Olmsted Falls Bulldogs defeated the Pirates in a hard-fought 4-1 battle on April 2. River's lone win came courtesy the doubles pair of Ben Greenfield and Sergio Lucey, who started the season 3-0. Jack Bowers was felled in a taut 7-6, 6-2 scrape in first singles. His opponent was a quarterfinalist in last year's sectional tournament. Second doubles (Charley Solecki/Colin Kelly) also put up a strong fight but in an eventual 6-3, 6-3 setback.

The loss against the Bulldogs would send the Pirates on a four-match skid. Rocky River lost to Cuyahoga Valley April 8, at Westlake April 12, and versus Normandy April 13. The Sons of Blackbeard then bounced back with a 4-1 triumph over North Olmsted on April 14.

River got a key 4-6, 6-1, 6-0 win by Bowers in a victory earned in high winds against the Eagles.

Through seven matches, Rocky River is 3-4 (3-2 GLC).

"We've been playing some strong teams," said head coach Eric Hillstrom. "I really like the depth of our squad this season, and I can see improvements being made."


CANNON FIRE ...

BUCCANEER CAPTAINS: The 2022 Double-R team captains are seniors Jack Bowers and Ben Greenfield. Bowers is 3-4 on the young season. Greenfield is 4-1 in doubles play with various partners.

ON DECK: The Pirates have upcoming event days on six straight days, April 25-30. That stretch is slated to open with a home match against the Bay Rockets. The GLC Championship is scheduled for April 30.

by Skip Snow

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