In a brief hour, the Blue Devils won the match against Oratory Prep, 5-0. It was as if Oratory Prep never stood a chance, since Westfield won in two sets in each of their five matches. Although it was not the most intense of matchups, this win demonstrates the level of Westfield’s consistency in winning sets and how well-rounded the team is as a whole.
“Our goal each match is to play with consistency and efficiency,” said head coach Matt Varhley. “I believe we accomplished this during our match against Oratory Prep.”
The teams were split up into five different matches: three singles matches and two doubles matches. Junior Eshaan Khera, senior Deven Patel and freshman Justin Lee played singles. Of the three, Lee held the most dominant performance, winning the first set, 6-0, and the second set, 6-1. Still, both Khera and Patel held their own, winning both of their sets with ease.
For the doubles matches, the first doubles duo consisted of senior captain Cole Hornbeck and senior captain Colin Cimei, and the second doubles duo consisted of senior Evan Sewald and freshman Chris Winters. Sewald and Winters won their sets 6-0 a piece, meanwhile Hornbeck and Cimei won each set, 6-1.
Oratory Prep may not have been the most competitive matchup for the Blue Devils, but they refused to give up during their matches. Their mentality carried them. When Westfield let their guard down, Oratory Prep was able to score points in the matches. Tennis is not just a physical sport, “it’s a mental match,” said Cimei. Varhley refers to these conceded points as “unforced errors”.
“The two facets of the game we can always improve on is first-serve percentage and cutting down on unforced errors,” said Varhley. Although Westfield dominated, there are always areas the team could improve on.
“I think we executed pretty well today,” said Sewald. “Going forward I think we can definitely have better energy and play better as a team.”
Thus far, the team has proven themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Approaching mid-season, it is crucial to address minor flaws and to continue to strengthen the ability of each player on the team. But for now, “The team looks good,” said Hornbeck. “I’m excited for the future.”
For their next match, the Blue Devils will take on Cranford on April 23 at 4:00 p.m. at Cranford Hillside Avenue Courts.
