The Verona boys’ tennis team was eliminated in the first round of the Group Tournament yesterday by New Providence High School, 4-1, in Mercer County State Park.
New Providence , 20-2, had a couple of exceptionally strong singles players that got Verona into a hole very quickly that they couldn’t struggle out of. First and second singles players Paul Corrente and Mike Striefer lost 6-0, 6-0 and 6-0, 6-2. Noah Herman was the only victor at third singles, 6-3, 7-5 . Mack Kirby and Brian Farrell made a valiant effort at 6-3, 7-5; Matt Tuorto and Will Schenkel lost 6-2, 6-2.
There ends a successful season where the boys captured the state sectional championship, finishing their season with a 20-7 record, good for second place in the Super Essex Conference behind Solomon Schecter. Coach Stephen Ruggiero will miss seniors Mack Kirby, Will Schenkel, Mike Striefer and Noah Herman but looks forward to another great season with junior Paul Corrente and sophomores Brian Farrell and Matt Tuorto.
