Panthers edge the Loggers in exciting boys tennis showdown

By barstoolfanatics on February 11, 2021 • ( Leave a comment )

Photos by Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – McKinleyville’s Garrett Grosjean won a nail-biting two-and-a-half hour showdown against Eureka’s Ryan Chapman on Tuesday.

By Ray Hamill — There was little to separate the Loggers and Panthers in boys tennis at Eureka High on Tuesday afternoon, with the matchup ultimately decided in an exciting showdown at No. 3 singles.

After the two schools split the Nos. 1 and 2 singles matchups with straight-set victories in both, it all came down to the No. 3 and final showdown, with McKinleyville’s Garrett Grosjean edging out Eureka’s Ryan Chapman after two-and-a-half hours on the court.

Grosjean won the opening set on a tiebreaker, before Chapman battled back to take the second set 6-2. The third and deciding set, which Eureka head coach Lilly Copeland described as “nail-biting,” went to Grosjean by a score of 6-4.

The early-season matchup was limited to three singles matches with McKinleyville still waiting on some players to pass their physicals.

“Overall we lost the match by one but I’m so proud of my boys for going out after a shortened week of practice and doing their best,” Copeland said.

At No. 1 singles, Eureka’s Tyler Petrusha got the better of McKinleyville’s Logan Maher, 6-3, 6-2.

“Tyler’s skill and determination really shone through in this match,” Copeland said. “He quickly changed his game from back and forth to point winning shots.”

Eureka’s Kishan Patel, right, and McKinleyville’s Jack Clancy bump racquets COVID style after Tuesday’s match.

McKinleyville’s Jack Clancy got his team on the board with victory at No. 2 singles, defeating Kishan Patel, 6-0, 6-2.

“Kishan fought hard in this match,” Copeland said, praising the newcomer’s “awesome” serves.

Ultimately, however, it was Clancy who took the decisive win to set up the match-deciding marathon showdown at No. 3 singles.

McKinleyville’s Logan Maher in action on Tuesday.

Both teams are scheduled to play again on Saturday as the five-week season continues, with the Mack boys hosting league favorites Arcata, and Eureka traveling to Ferndale.

The H-DNL is featuring only singles play for now, but is expected to add doubles play if the local counties reach the red or second least restricted COVID tier before the season ends.