The boys travelled to Deerfield knowing a tough opponent was waiting for them, maybe one of the better teams in New England. Despite the scores, all doubles matches had great points and long deuce games, especially with Finn Hocking ‘26 and co-captain Hugh Olson at #2. The #1 team of Liam Hibbard ‘27 and Parks Cuskley ‘25 got out to an early lead before their opponents really found their form and rattled off several consecutive games. Confidence, though, came from Henry Flaton ‘25 and co-captain Alexei Kocatas ‘25 at #4, making their opponents earn every point and took the set 8-3. With Cuskley out for singles, and missing Alex Brown ‘27 at #5, everyone gladly moved up a few spots ready for the heightened challenge. Jack Pickett ‘26, Hocking, and Kocatas played some solid points in their first sets, while Hibbard, Olson, Steven Chun ‘25 and Will Henry ‘26 battled as well. Henry ended up playing his best physical and mental singles match of the year so far, fending off a Deerfield comeback then mounting a comeback in the tiebreak of his own to win 9-8. The highlight, and the grit and grace award of the day, goes to Kocatas! Comes back from 2-5 down in the first to win 7-5, then stays in the second after being down 5-4 with coaches calling it at 5-5 due to time and light. “I’m fine with that,” he said, being a good sport throughout the contest. Definitely a 20 whoop strain for him on the day. Despite the loss and the long week already, the squad remains in good spirits and will look to bounce back against Williston on the road tomorrow.
1. Liam Hibbard ‘27 - 6-2, 6-2 L
2. Hugh Olson ‘25 - 6-2, 6-3 L
3. Finn Hocking ‘26 - 6-1, 6-2 L
4. Alexei Kocatas ‘25 - 7-5, 5-5 (unfinished)
5. Henry Flaton ‘25 - 6-1, 6-3 L
6. Jack Pickett ‘26 - 6-3, 6-2 L
7. Will Henry ‘26 - 9-8(5) W
8/9. Steven Chun ‘25 - 8-2 L and 8-0 L
Doubles:
1. Parks Cuskley ‘25/Liam Hibbard ‘27 - 8-3 L
2. Hugh Olson ‘25/Finn Hocking ‘26 - 8-2 L
3. Will Henry ‘26/Jack Pickett ‘26 - 8-1 L
4. Henry Flaton ‘25/Alexei Kocatas ‘25 8-3 W