Tennis: Offseason work pays off quickly
When sophomore Stuart Hatlen rallied against his opponent from Hastings on Monday, it was another reminder of the development of the Rosemount boys tennis players. Since becoming Rosemount’s coach, Jeanne Ewen has stressed the importance of playing during the offseason. Entering this spring, many of the players had played more during the offseason than at any other time for the Irish.By: Brian Hall, Rosemount Town Pages
When sophomore Stuart Hatlen rallied against his opponent from Hastings on Monday, it was another reminder of the development of the Rosemount boys tennis players.
Since becoming Rosemount’s coach, Jeanne Ewen has stressed the importance of playing during the offseason. Entering this spring, many of the players had played more during the offseason than at any other time for the Irish.
“Especially when there is just six weeks of the season,” Ewen said. “The tennis season is so short. What you do in the offseason is huge.”
With the offseason exposure and experience, it’s no small coincidence Rosemount got a quick start to the season.
The Irish won each of their first two matches of the season. Rosemount beat Prior Lake, 5-2, last week and then added a 5-2 win against Hastings on Monday.
“I’m very pleased with the work they put in during the offseason,” Ewen said. “They have looked great.”
Hatlen’s match on Monday was the latest example. After dropping the first set 6-1, Hatlen rallied for a 6-1 win in the second set. He followed with a 10-2 win in the third-set tiebreaker after each player split 6-6 in the third set.
“It’s an example of the confidence they have,” Ewen said. “The mental part of the game is much stronger because they have got that experience at the tournament level matches in the offseason at a higher level.”
Hatlen’s win at third singles was part of a singles sweep for the Irish against Hastings. Matt Baker won 6-3, 4-6, 6-1 at No. 1 singles. Jason Warweg won 7-5, 6-4 at second singles and Will Holcomb added a 6-1, 6-3 win at No. 4 singles.
Matt Stefanko and Sean Hatlen added a 6-3, 6-1 win at second doubles.
The doubles pairings are still a work in progress and some of the players that have played singles early in the year might still see action at doubles.
“We’re still working on doubles,” Ewen said. “We’re not sure where we’re going to be yet.”
Against Prior Lake, the Irish again swept the singles competition. Baker won 6-1, 6-1 at No. 1 singles. Warweg and Stuart Hatlen never dropped a game en route to a pair of 6-0, 6-0 victories. Will Holcomb won 6-2, 6-2 at fourth singles.
Stefanko and Sean Hatlen again provided the doubles points with a 6-1, 6-3 win at second doubles.
Tags: school district 196, high schools, sports, rosemount, tennis, prep, irish
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