SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO Lewisburg's Eddie Monaco, then a sophomore, is striving for his first District 4 singles title. Now that he's a senior, he's aiming for a three-peat.
Last year's District 4 singles tournament saw two familiar faces make it to the finals, with defending champion Eddie Monaco and fellow Green Dragon Will Cecchini facing off at the end of the bracket.
Monaco (12-2) ultimately defeated teammate Lewisburg 6-1, 6-2 to move into first place to win its second title. However, Cecchini was only a sophomore at the time.
Cecchini (16-0), who has another year of development as a junior and has an undefeated defensive record, hopes to get the chance to play against Monaco again. Monaco recognize his teammate's growth and highlight him as one of their two opponents who they consider their biggest challenge and hope to play against him there as well.
“I think that’s really great.” Regarding the outlook, Mr. Cecchini said: “So it's Lewisburg all the way to the finals. The key to winning there will probably be to outwork him and hold onto the ball.”
“Even my own No. 2 (Cecchini) played against him in the district finals last year and plays next to him every day in practice.” Monaco said this when discussing the biggest threat to their quest for a three-peat. “I've seen him get better.”
Monaco enters the tournament having never lost, but that fact will not affect his confidence.
On the one hand, the Lewisburg senior doesn't see it as a confidence booster. Everyone participating in the tournament is working hard for a chance to dethrone him, and the field also includes some seasoned athletes. Players like second-seeded Luke Friscia (Danville), who was also on the radar of Monaco, could pose a serious threat.
“It's always nice to know you've been there before. But every season you start at the base of the mountain and have to climb back up again.” Monaco said. “Competition will be fierce this year as many people are working hard to get a shot at district chips.”
On the other hand, there is no additional pressure on defense. Monaco will cherish each match and will always do their best to win. Even if he doesn't get a three-peat, he won't think it's the end of the world.
“If we get there, we'll get there. If we don't, we won't.” Monaco said. “But I'm going to do my best to get there again, so we'll see what happens.”
Nevertheless, he is well prepared for the challenge.
He considers the effort he puts in both during the season and offseason to be his biggest benefit, logging a lot of extra time at the Central PA Tennis Center whenever the season is not in session. It's one of the aspects of his game that has given him an edge in recent years, and so far, that effort has paid off.
“Fitness will play a big role in maintaining our level of play through these two games and making it through to the final day on Monday.” Monaco said. “I've been playing all year and getting even better. So I think that helps towards the end of the season when that muscle memory and the habits you build take over.”
“I'm sure it'll get better. It looks like it'll be a lot of fun, so I'm looking forward to it.” he added about the tournament.
Outside of Lewisburg, the field is rich with area talent. Of the five area athletes who occupy one of the eight seeds, two represent the green and white of Hughesville.
Seniors John Finnegan and Mason Thomas return to the field after competing in last year's event and each advanced to the second round. Finnegan, the fourth seed in this year's tournament, reached the quarterfinals, but lost to Central Columbia's Matthew Goetz.
Both went into the event with confidence and earned first-round byes. Finnegan will face the winner of Loyasock's Evan Anderson and Central Columbia's Luke Saracoglu in the second round, while Thomas will face the winner of Loyasock's Logan Hammond and Towanda's Haven Paul.
“We had a pretty good draw.” Finnegan said of this year's tournament. “It was a bye, but there are some people who think they can win.''
“I feel good. I got the No. 7 seed and I think I can beat the two kids I'm going to play.” Thomas said second-seeded Luke Friscia could play in the quarterfinals if he advances. “I just need to play well. I'm just going to try my best. That happened last year, my senior year.”
As for area players, Montoursville's Wyatt Frye was seeded last, occupying the No. 5 spot and will face either Galeton's Riley Streich or Bloomsburg's Ben Burrell in the second round.
Rounding out the area players for the tournament are Kayvan Shams and Wyatt Robbins of South Williamsport, Evan Anderson of Loyalsock, James Koehler of Montoursville, Hagan Hanselman-Reigel of Milton and Jacob of Wellsboro. – Abadi is also scheduled to play in the first round, and Anderson will be playing in his first year on the job. team.
The tournament is scheduled to start at 9am
at Williamsport Area High School. It's sure to be quite exciting, so stay tuned.
