Dow defeated Saginaw Heritage 8-0 on Thursday in boys tennis to improve to 6-1-3 on the year. Dow next plays at Powers Catholic on Tuesday.
Dow coach Terry Schwartzkopf said: “Today was a test for a few flights. One doubles got pushed hard, but you could literally see the moment it all changed. Their success is based on chemistry and the ability to remain both calm and joyful in the most stressful of situations. I have watched many teams through the years and when players are laughing on court, it usually signifies a lack of concentration or concern.
“This team is completely different. When I see them laugh, I know they are loose and ready to move onto the next point and live in the moment. I saw Zakey miss a shot in the second set tiebreak, down by two, and turn and smile at Caleb. At this point I turned to my assistant coach and said…”it’s over…they are going to win this.” It truly is an amazing and unique characteristic of this team. Every day I am more excited to be coaching this team as I get to know their tendencies and abilities.”
In singles, it was Joaco Argibay (No. 1) over Jefferson Afante 6-1, 6-1; Tom Wood (No. 2) over Josh Parashar; Gavin Killmaster (No. 3) over Akshanth Bundla 6-1, 6-0 and Aaron Li (No. 4) over Kyle Weiss 6-0, 6-1.
In doubles, it was Caleb Qiu-Zakey El Nachef (No. 1) over Andrew Gladki-Daniel Gladki 3-6, 7-6, 14-1; Thomas Ladwein-Logan Yu over John Kennedy-Travis Vasold 6-2, 6-1; Aiden Tanis-Bobo Qiu over Christopher Alexandr-Austin Shattiuck 6-1, 6-0 and Marshall McGaugh-Roofy Elsaadanuy over Frederick Sunderman-Jasper Gallagher 6-0, 6-1.