by Steve Batko
Correspondent
The members of the Twinsburg boys tennis squad have a quiet confidence. And head coach Mike Porinchak is just fine with that.
Consistency has enabled the Tigers to surprise this spring with an 9-5 overall record and a 4-1 mark in the River Division of the Northeast Ohio Conference as of this writing.
On May 5, host Twinsburg lost a close match to NOC River Division rival Cuyahoga Falls by a score of 3-2. Winning for the Tigers were the second doubles team of Mike Stauffer and Mitch Keith (6-4 6-4) and Patrick Yackmack (6-4, 1-6, 7-6) at second singles.
Stauffer and Keith finished with a 5-0 record in division play.
"They have been very consistent for us and are one of many reasons we have been successful this year," Porinchak said. "I was disappointed we didn't get the result we wanted, but we still finished tied for first in our division in the regular season.
"We are headed into the divisional tournament with a lot of confidence and a chance to take the conference championship," Porinchak said.
The NOC Meet is scheduled to take place May 10 at Solon Community Park. The first match is set to begin at 9 a.m.
On May 1, host Twinsburg won a 4-1 decision over Peninsula Woodridge. Jacob Goroncy (6-1, 6-1), Patrick Yackmack (5-7, 6-2, 6-2) and Steve Kiesel (6-0, 6-1) cruised in singles play and Brett Hawkins and Andy Whitney (6-3, 6-4) won at first doubles.
On April 30 at Memorial Park, the Tigers defeated division foe North Royalton 3-2.
"It was a huge win for us," said Porinchak.
Winning for a key match for the Tigers was Patrick Yackmack at second singles (6-4, 7-5) over Bismark Newman. Third singles standout Steve Kiesel was a 6-3, 6-7, 6-4 victor over Zach Santiago. Winning at second doubles was Mike Stauffer and Mitch Keith 7-6, 4-6, and 6-3.
"As a coach, I can't express how proud I am of these young men," said Porinchak. "They respond so well under pressure. Every division match we play is huge and these young men keep finding ways to focus in when it matters the most.
"I am probably most proud of the guys that lose because rather than hang their heads, they run straight to the other matches and cheer on their teammates," he added.
Twinsburg probably doesn't have a single candidate who is worthy of winning postseason honors. And that has been the secret to the Tigers' success.
"We have seven players that may play as one. Our depth has also enabled us to play well. We might not have the most outstanding player in the league, but our depth and consistency across all matches enables us to always have a chance to win."
On April 29, visiting Twinsburg recorded a 5-0 victory over River Division foe Stow-Munroe Falls (1-10).
Goroncy recorded a win at first singles, 6-0, 6-0 and Yackmack was a 6-1, 6-1 victor. Posting a victory at the third-singles slot was Kiesel with a 7-5, 6-3 win.
Doubles play also was a positive against the Bulldogs. At the first doubles post, Hawkins and Whitney were victorious by a 6-4, 6-4 count while at second doubles, Mike Stauffer and Mitch Keith won 7-5, 6-1.
"We are playing with a lot of confidence and are looking to close out the season on a high and get ready for the conference tournament," said Porinchak. "It is amazing and fun to watch how hard all seven players are playing right now.
"Each and every one of them is keeping focus on winning our division," he added. "They all play with the team concept in mind. Even if someone loses a match they still how important it is that the team win the entire match."
The Tigers were scheduled to entertain Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary May 7. Results were not available at press time. They are set to conclude the regular season with a home date with NOC rival Brush May 13 at 4 p.m.
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