MONROE — The Cheesemakers continued to grind out tough Badger West victories in boys tennis, this time defeating Reedsburg 4-3 in a grueling head-to-head matchup April 28.
“This was a team win that never would have happened last year,” said Monroe coach Matt Bordner. “Our guys have worked hard and understand how hard it is to win in this sport, and they did a great job of battling hard and giving themselves a shot to walk out with a W.”
At No. 1 doubles, Monroe’s top tandem of Chris Giasson and Aaron Roidt cruised to another victory, 6-1, 6-2.
“Chris and Aaron set the tone with their best match of the season at 1-doubles and really dominated their match. They played very aggressive, yet smart tennis. I think this match shows how good they can be if they’re playing at their peak,” Bordner said.
Monroe’s other three wins came in the singles matches, with Ryan Mathiason rallying to win at No. 2 singles, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3; Max Petitjean also going the distance at No. 4 singles, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3; and Gavin Eckerman taking care of business at No. 3 singles, 6-0, 6-0.
“Gavin is a grinder and I think his opponent just got frustrated by his play style,” Bordner said. “Max Petitjean stepped up yet again for us and played a nice quality match. He’s learned a lot this season and has made some nice mental strides. Dropping the second set was tough on him but he was able to reset and battle back to get a big win for our team.
“Ryan’s first set doesn’t look close on paper, but he was in a good spot in quite a few of those first set games but just didn’t close out. Ryan has gotten so good at finishing out matches though and never counts himself out. He has so much clarity in his game and doesn’t get too high or too low which makes for a great tennis player.”
At No. 1 singles, Monroe freshman Matthew Setterstrom lost 6-1, 6-1. In the No. 2 doubles match, Monroe’s Wes Saunders and Ethan Towne fell in three sets, 2-6, 7-5, 6-3. At No. 3 doubles, Mitch Ferguson and Tim Olson couldn’t snag a set and fell 6-2, 6-3.
“Ethan and Wes had an incredible match at 2-doubles that really swung back and forth in the second and third sets. Wes is still coming back from his ankle sprain but battled hard, and Ethan was a bit off his game with his lobs. Overall, I loved their effort though and the way they gave it their all,” Bordner said.
