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Robinson tennis prepares for the postseason
Robinson boys tennis 1, Flint Hill 1.
In the second annual battle of the state's best public school (Robinson) versus one of the top private school program's around, Flint Hill avenged a loss last season with a 5-4 win last Friday.
Robinson has not seen much in the competition department this season, except for Bullis and a few good matches with Concorde District foe Fairfax. But Flint Hill, which entered Friday's showdown with a 10-0 record, gave the Rams a feel for what they will face in the state tournament later this month.
"Obviously, it helps. We haven't had any competition up until this week, and I think that's been a problem," Robinson coach Paul Fisher admitted. "You don't know what pressure is until you get into a situation like this."
Highlighting the day, as is the case every time Robinson hits the court, was another impressive performance from senior Drew Courtney. The two-time defending state singles champion, who will play for the University of Virginia next year, faced old friend Zach Pine. The two have known each other since they were 11 or 12 playing in local tournaments, and Courtney noted that Pine and his twin brother, Jon, beat him a few times back then.
Since the trio turned 16, though, Courtney has been on the winning end of every match they have played. Friday was no different, as the 6-foot-5 Courtney dropped Zach Pine, 6-1, 6-2. Since the match took place at Flint Hill, the standard best-of-three-sets match was employed in singles, as opposed to the 10-game pro set, which Virginia public schools play during the regular season.
"I feel like his game matches up really well with mine," Courtney said of Pine. "He's a steady baseliner and I'm more of an aggressive player. He's had a great career, and a great career outside of high school. He's a fighter, so he's always a tough match."
Courtney was also asked to talk about playing a team like Flint Hill and how much that experience helps prepare the squad for the postseason.
"There are teams in the state that are just as good as this team is," Courtney said. "We need to see that before we get down to states."
Jon Pine, who will join his brother at Virginia Tech next season, faced Robinson's Kevin Castellow at No. 2 singles. Pine bested his opponent in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1, improving his four-year high school record to an astounding 51-0. Flint Hill followed Friday's victory with a 5-2 defeat of St. Albans on Monday, closing their regular season schedule with an 11-0 mark.
"These guys are tough. They're ranked, they've played tournaments," Fisher said of Flint Hill's loaded roster. "I think not having competition has kept us a little bit unfocused with lack of practice time."
With sunny skies and warm temperatures finally in the forecast, the Rams should have plenty of time to work out any kinks.
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