Boys' Tennis News

by: Boys Tennis Contributor

At this week’s section doubles tournament, NA’s two doubles teams dominated the competition. On Tuesday, both teams won two matches to reach the semifinals and on Wednesday, they both won their respective half of the draw to set up an all-NA final.

The top-seeded team of junior Adhav Ramadas and senior Nick Scheuring picked up where they left off yesterday by dominating the Butler #1 team comprised of Andrew Bocci and Ryan Conaway, 6-2, 6-1. In the other semifinal, the team of upstart sophomores Shivum Telang and Ronit Ginde picked up their second “upset” in a row by downing the third-seeded team from Mars made up of Ethan Palmer and Cal Johnson, 6-2, 6-0. This set up a coach’s dream matchup where an NA section doubles champion was guaranteed even before the final began.

In the championship match, Scheuring opened up the scoring with a hold on his serve in the first game. However, it was the sophomores who drew first blood as they held Telang’s serve, broke Ramadas, and then held Ginde’s turn to take a 3-1 lead. The pressure was on the upperclassmen, but they didn’t blink. Scheuring held again, the pair broke Telang, and held Ramadas’ serve. After a break of Ginde, Scheuring was able to hold for the third straight time to consolidate the break and take the first set, 6-3.

The second set started with Telang holding serve to give the sophomores a brief lead. But the veterans were undeterred. Ramadas held and the tandem broke Ginde to take a 2-1 lead. Scheuring held yet again and after a break of Telang for a 4-1 lead, victory was all but assured for the captains. After a last gasp break of Ramadas, the #1 seeds cruised to claim the second set, 6-2.

Man of the Match/Tournament honors went to Ramadas in a unanimous vote. Ramadas relied on his powerful serve, overpowering groundstrokes, and seasoned experience to lead the champions through four matches in two days.

Both teams advance to the WPIAL Championships next week at Bethel Park. It will be Ramadas’ third appearance and Telang’s second. Meanwhile, both Scheuring and Ginde will be making their first trip to the tournament. North Allegheny as a team returns to action on Monday when they travel to Upper St. Clair to take on the Panthers at 3:30 p.m.

Tournament Summary

Semifinals
#1 Nick Scheuring/Adhav Ramadas (NA) def. #4 Andrew Bocci (Butler) 6-2, 6-1
#7 Shivum Telang/Ronit Ginde (NA) def. #3 Ethan Palmer/Cal Johnson 6-2, 6-0

Championship
#1 Nick Scheuring/Adhav Ramadas (NA) def. #7 Shivum Telang/Ronit Ginde (NA) 6-3, 6-2