Township tennis defeats Southern in season opener

Stephen McNelis had a baptism by fire last spring, playing in third singles for Brick Township's tennis team in the Shore Conference A South where that position is more keenly competitive than in many other conferences.

But he showed he learned a lot from his .500 season as he nailed down the deciding point in second singles last week in a season-opening 3-2 victory over Southern. McNelis, the last one off the court, beat Justin Brink, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1.

"When he came back (in the third set) he was just not making mistakes and keeping the ball in play," said coach Bob Hudak. "He was playing more consistent and serving a lot better. I think the experience that Stephen gained last season really helped him in that third set."

Hudak also praised his doubles teams, which came through in that match and also went three sets in the next one, a 5-0 loss to Lacey.

"I knew we'd be pretty good in doubles, even though one of the players in second doubles is out for the team for the first time," said Hudak, referring to senior Charles Eicker in second doubles, who joins sophomoreMichael Lantieri, up from the junior varsity, in that spot. Juniors A.J. Kolesa and James Meyers, both up from the jayvee where they played last season, are in first doubles.

The Green Dragons play Southern again on Tuesday this week, followed by matches against Toms River South on Wednesday and Toms River East at home on Thursday.

Brick Memorial, meanwhile, was swept by Toms River East in its opener.