Syosset Captures Fourth Straight Nassau Large School (Division 1) Championship
Syosset moved one step closer to a fourth straight New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Division 1 title, defeating Roslyn 6-1 in the Nassau County Large School title on Monday afternoon at Jericho High School in a match that was a lot tighter than the scoreline reflects.
“All of our guys have been in pressure matches at some point this season, and having those experiences helped them get through the tight moments today,” said Syosset head coach Shai Fisher.
The Braves won three of the four doubles flights including two three set contests. Ryan Nawaz & Loui Peredo won 6-4, 6-1 at second doubles, while Leon Zhao & Terrence Moy were 602, 6-7(4), 6-3 winners at third doubles.
At fourth doubles, Danny Kim & Jameson Yang came back from a set down to win 1-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Syosset grabbed all three singles flights led by Grayson Prince’s 7-5, 6-3 triumph at first singles to anchor the Braves’ victory. At second singles, Aayan Mehta came back from a set down to win 5-7, 6-3, [10-8].
At third singles, Nikhil Shah clinched his team’s county championship with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 win.
“I just took it one point at a time, and told myself to stay consistent,” said Shah. “Keep the ball on the court, and if I keep the ball in the court I can’t lose, that’s my mentality.”
Roslyn grabbed the first doubles flight as Brian Toh & Rehan Alam won 6-1, 6-4.
Syosset now advances to the Long Island Large School (Division 1) Championship as it aims to return to the NYSPHSAA Team Championships. The Braves will have a week off before it meets the Suffolk County Champion for a berth in the New York State semifinals.
“This one is special, each year presents its own set of challenges and we’ve had our share. We’ll have a few days off before getting ready for the Long Island Championship,” Fisher added.
When asked what makes this team special, Fisher said:
“It starts with an amazing senior class that provides great leadership and support, and brings all the younger guys together. They are good friends off the court which brings them that much closer during matches. I feel that each and every guy commits not only to playing tennis year-round, but commits to the team in season and to each other which builds a strong culture.”
Shah, the senior co-captain, added:
“We’ve been waiting for these moments for the entire season, and will continue to take it one match at a time.”
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