Martlets Defeat Salisbury

The bus ride to Salisbury was smooth and the boys stretched their legs. Coach Doucette was pleasantly surprised to see Morgan Phillips, Westminster #1 from the 2000-2001 season, the Salisbury JV Coach and Math Teacher. While they caught up, the team warmed up. The match began, as usual with the even numbers. #6 Kai Appleton ‘24, who played at New Englands last season, was first to finish with a three game victory, showing improvement in all areas of his game. Newcomer Henry Naylor ‘25, playing exhibition, allowed the fewest points by keeping the ball very tight to both side walls. #2 James Teng ‘26 allowed the next fewest points with a mostly error free match. #4 Mason Abbate ‘24, lost the first game and then took the next three, hanging on for a 14-12 victory in the fourth. His tendency to shoot early in points was less effective than his tight rails down the forehand wall. Newcomer Ben Swift ‘25, playing #7,  had trouble with a fast, power hitting player. Though the points were competitive, Swift found himself on the back foot more often than not. Jason Hu ‘24 showed intensity and control in his match, which was tight all the way through. Captain Andrew Pang ‘24 won in three at the top of the ladder, finishing with a win of nine straight points. Cisco Lilien ‘24 had a real fight on his hands at #3, but came out with a fire in his belly for the fifth game. In the first few games, Lilien’s tendency to shoot minimized his strength on the rails. In the fifth game he opened the court before shooting and saw a difference. Next up is Loomis Chaffee and Berkshire at 2 and 4:30 on Wednesday 12/6.