Naugy nets win over Crosby

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NAUGATUCK — The Naugatuck boys tennis team got back in the win column with a convincing 9-0 victory over Crosby on Monday.

The Greyhounds have been road warriors this year due to scheduling changes caused by the weather. Naugatuck, which has played six of the first seven matches away from home, has faced some of the top teams in the league on their turf and stand at 4-3 after Monday’s win.

“We have a young team with a lot of first-timers but I’m proud of how these kids have responded and come together as a team,” Naugatuck head coach Anthony Mariano said. “We only had one home match this season so to be at 4-3 says a lot about their character.”

It was all Naugatuck on Monday at Crosby with the singles players sweeping to victory. Jonas Mauermann (8-2), Marco Rebelo (8-2), Michael Rivera (8-2), Jared Montini (8-0), Matt Triscritti (8-0) and Jacob Torres (8-0) gave the ‘Hounds an insurmountable 6-0 advantage.

The doubles teams of Brandon Sampaio-Alec Durante (8-2), Dylan Triscitti-Jon Vincent (8-2) and Kevin Lopes- Yeshe Rakagme (8-1) completed the sweep for the Greyhounds.

“We have been short a couple of our key guys during the spring vacation and some of the other guys had to step up in unfamiliar roles,” Mariano said.

The win was a bounce-back match for the Greyhounds, who fell to Torrington, 8-1, April 22. Rebelo (8-6) picked up the lone win over the Raiders.

“It was nice to get back in the win column,” Mariano said. “We had a few guys move up to take over spots with guys out. P.J. Morrissey is at the DECA Nationals in Nashville.”

As the Greyhounds hit the midway point of the season, Mariano and the team are taking it one match at a time.

“Right now we don’t want to get too high about a match or too low,” Mariano said. “The kids are progressing and seem to be a little more comfortable and confident out on the court. It all comes down to focusing on one point and one match at a time.”

The Greyhounds will face Watertown on the road Wednesday. Naugatuck starts a five-match homestretch on Friday with Holy Cross coming to the borough. Next week Naugy will host Sacred Heart on Monday, Wolcott on May 4 and Torrington on May 6.

“I think it will help us to face teams a second time around,” Mariano said.  “The team is getting more confident in their ability and they are realizing that they can play with anyone if they play their A game.”