Westfield boys tennis is set to kick off yet another successful season this spring.
The Blue Devils performed incredibly last season. With a 19-4 record, the tennis team earned itself various accolades. Westfield ended the season atop the Union County Conference standings with an undefeated record of 10-0. The Blue Devils triumphed over J.P. Stevens for their 9th consecutive sectional title and their 33rd overall. They then traveled to the Group 4 state championship where they fell short of East Brunswick.
Last season’s team was impressive, and this year’s team hopes to meet similar expectations. The Blue Devils see the return of five seniors: Tristan Wroe, Zander Ainge, Andrew Popa, Mattia Butera and Juan Diego-Lara. Wroe, Ainge and Popa will be this year’s captains.
“I’m feeling really good about this season, there’s a lot of all-around depth on the team and that’s what really takes teams the farthest,” said Wroe. “I’m looking forward to what we can achieve even though we lost great assets last year.”
Westfield losses have been rare the past few seasons, occurring against only the most formidable of opponents. In many of their matches, the Blue Devils dominated, shutting out their opposition in most matchups. Twelve of Westfield’s 19 wins included shutouts in sets.
The team lost six seniors this season, with the aforementioned five returners taking their place. The Blue Devils will look to rely on experience to help carry them through the season.
“Our team is so even in level from top to bottom that it’s hard to decide who takes the starting spots every match,” said Wroe. “Depth in a team is the most we could ask for.”
Success is expected for Westfield in the regular season. It is the postseason where the team needs to narrow its focus. Though they have had success, the Blue Devils have failed to secure the state championship recently despite consistent appearances. It is this year’s group of seniors that hopes to end the ongoing trend.
“We’re looking forward to playing against good competition, having fun, and winning,” said Diego-Lara.
Westfield’s next opponent, Roselle Park, finished its previous season 11-6 and lost in the first round of sectionals. Westfield, as with many of its opponents this regular season, is the favorite to win the match. It looks to be an exciting year for the Blue Devils, one defined most by what they will accomplish in the postseason.
