Lancers Take SEC Title

The Livingston tennis team can scratch off another part of its "To Do" list as the Lancers captured the Super Essex Conference American Division title on Wednesday when they beat in-town opponent Newark Academy, 4-1.

Newark Academy traveled to Livingston originally back on April 21, but the skies opened up after only a couple of games and the match had a rain delay.  When the two teams finally met Wednesday, Livingston dominated and outright walked away with the SEC American title.

In addition to winning the SEC title, Livingston (26-3) won its third straight match this season against Newark Academy, including a tight Essex County Tournament semifinal. Livingston was happy to take the win, especially since avoided a three-way tie.

Had Newark Academy won on Wednesday, the title  would have to had to be shared between Livingston, Minutemen and Millburn.

"We wanted it to be all by ourselves," said Lancer Brandon Goldstein.

While it appears Wednesday's match was the last time that both teams will face each other this season, they could still take on each other in the state tournament. If they do, both squads will be in the state's Tournament of Champions. which was won by Newark Academy in 2009.

Both teams are still alive in the state tournament.

"We have to get everybody to play their best tennis," said Livingston head coach Elliot Lovi about success in the postseason.

In Wednesday's match, there was a bit of a twist.

According to league rules, if a match starts, the same tennis players (baring   injuries, etc.) must take on each other when the match resumes.The Minutemen (15-6) were at a disadvantage because their usual third singles player, Om Pathak, was moved up to second singles back in April but had to face Lancers junior Brandon Goldstein on Wednesday.

With Livingston already ahead 2-0 after victories in second singles and first doubles, Lancers sophomore Varun Dyapa clinched the match as he defeated Newark Academy's Grant Schalet in two games, 7-5, and 6-4 at third singles.

For Dyapa, it has been an interesting last couple of weeks. In a match with Westfield as part of the Newark Academy tournament, he slipped and sprained his left wrist, causing him to be out of commission for about a week. With his left wrist wrapped-up, he was limited against Newark Academy.

"For part of the game, I had to play defensively," said Dyapa, who added that he had not faced Minutemen's Grant Schalet. "I was just slicing the balls and my forehand was huge."

In addition to Dyapa's victory, the Lancers' number one singles, Thomas Caputo, defeated Newark Academy's Daniel Eatroff, 6-3 and 6-3. It was the third time in team play that Caputo, who played with the Minutemen last season before transferring to Livingston, had defeated his friend, Eatroff. Eatroff is coached by Caputo's father.

With the victory in both the conference and the county, the Lancers are looking at winning the triple crown.

"Our coach (Lovi) has been really emphasizing winning the states," said Goldstein.

Livingston is schedule to take on Randolph in the Group 4 North 1 state sectional semifinals on Thursday. The Lancers are the top-seed in the section and Randolph is the fourth. Last season Livingston lost at this stage to Bergen Tech. The Lancers could get a shot at revenge in the state sectional final if they defeat Randolph and might see third-seeded Bergen Tech in the sectional final.

Newark Academy is looking to repeat as Non-Public North B champions and hosts fourth-seeded Montclair Kimberley on Thursday in the section semifinals. A Newark Academy victory would send the team to the section finals next week.

Results    

First singles
Livingston, Thomas Caputo defeated Daniel Eatroff, 6-3, 6-3
Second singles
Livingston, Brandon Goldstein defeated Om Pathak, 6-0, 6-0
Third Singles
Livingston, Varun Dyapa defeated Grant Schalet, 7-5, 6-4
First doubles
Livingston, Ben Hanft and Jesse Bloom defeated Neil Sethi and Logan Erickson, 7-6 (7-2), 6-3
Second doubles
Newark Academy, Adam Hyatt and Reid Schalet defeated Spencer Luster and Kevin Sun, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4