Port tennis starts 1-1

Port Washington’s tennis team started its season 1-1 after winning its first match and losing its second.

On April 10, Port won at Howards Grove, 6-1.

The team looked really good in the first two matches of the season. Everyone came ready and prepared to play,” coach Melonie Zielinski said.

The No. 1 doubles team of Thomas Garant and Neil Schleissinger had the most exciting match of the day in winning 7-6 (4), 7-6 (4).

“They were able to sense each other on the court and moved extremely well to get every shot,” Zielinski said.

At No. 1 singles, Aaron Montreal rolled, beating Chase Williams, 6-1, 6-0.

At No. 3 singles, Pirate Jake Schmit beat Matilde Gatto, 6-0, 6-0. At No. 4 singles, Pirate Wyatt Roller beat Emily Waters, 6-0, 6-1.

At No. 2 doubles, Pirates Matt Huebner and Skylar Shafer beat Aric Jump and Austin Patzke, 7-6 (5), 6-0. The Pirates’ No. 3 doubles team of Shane McConahy and Tanner Sauer beat Ben Froelich and Hannah Elias, 6-0, 6-1.

The Tigers got their only victory at No. 2 singles. Brandon Kushnier beat Kyle Zacher, 6-4, 6-2.

Powerhouse Homestead beat the Pirates at home on Thursday, 7-0.

Schmit at No. 3 singles came the closest to a victory, losing 6-4, 6-3.

Zielinski said Schmit “played a strong consistent match, fighting hard to stay in every point.”

Montreal and Zacher didn’t win a game in the top two singles matches, but Zielinski said they “displayed great focus as they placed shots all over the court.”

The Pirates return half of their varsity roster, including Schmit, who made it to sectionals at No. 4 singles last year.

“Overall, I believe we have a great group out this season and I look forward to seeing how we do,” Zielinski said.

Grafton girls’ coach also leading the boys

Russell Johnson, who landed his first head coaching job leading the Grafton girls’ team in fall, is now coaching the boys as well, taking over for Nicholas Kassens.

“With me and the assistant coach Jon Schotte being new to the boys this spring, we are both very excited to see how they perform in match play and excited to be able to help them enjoy high school a little more through a tennis experience,” Johnson said.

Spots were still being solidified, given the team hasn’t had many practices due to the weather.

Max McKnight is slated to play No. 1 singles and Josiah Tamsen is at No. 2 singles.

The No. 1 doubles team will be Jarrett Desautel and Matt Fischer, who “offer a lot of talent,” Johnson said.

Despite the North Shore Conference adding West Bend East and West, Slinger and Hartford, Johnson said the race will likely come down to the regular stalwarts of Nicolet, Homestead and Whitefish Bay.

“All three very talented programs, especially Nicolet. They have consistently had a tremendous program under coach Tim Koppa,” Johnson said.