The Concord-Carlisle High School boys’ tennis team hasn’t had to deal with much disappointment in recent years, as the Patriots have won two of the past three North Division 1 sectional championships.
However, last year, C-C just missed out on making it three straight. But the Patriots fell to strong Lexington squad, which went undefeated on the year until losing to eventual state champion Wellesley in the D-1 state semifinals.
This year, the Patriots will be looking for redemption of sorts. Past experiences could help them do just that.
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“Over the years our players have played in a lot of important matches and in a lot of competitive situations,” coach Alex Spence said. “I think that breeds more winning – success breeds success.
“And none of our success has come easily. So a lot of the guys have seen how hard their predecessors have had to work.”
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Should the Patriots make another deep run into the MIAA postseason, it will be forced to do with a squad that is very different from last year’s edition. Just two starters return from the 2010 C-C team, and as of the middle of this week, Spence was still working to plug the holes in the starting lineup.
Overall, C-C has four members back from last year’s squad.
Granted the few returning starters the Patriots are getting back are no slouches. One is their No. 1 singles player and two-time defending state champion Alex Steinroeder. Now a senior, Steinroeder will be looking to make it a three-peat as an individual, while also leading the Patriots back to glory as a team.
“It’s great to have all the seniors back, Alex among them,” Spence said.
CONCORD-CARLISLE BOYS’ TENNIS SEASON PREVIEW CAPSULE
Coach: Alex Spence (fifth season)
League: Dual County League
Last Year: 20-1 (lost to Lexington in the North Division 1 final)
Returning Players: Alex Steinroeder, senior; Erik Dinardo, senior
Key to Success: The Patriots will need Steinroeder on top of his game throughout the season.
Match to Watch: Spence said he doesn’t want his team looking too far ahead, so the opener against Acton-Boxborough is the biggest match of the season – for the time being.
Coach’s Take: “A goal early on is to find out what each player does well and set that player up to best employ his skills. It’s too early to tell now, but the faster we can do it, that will be the key to our success.”
