Boardman tennis team takes trophy

Boardman girls tennis team wins tournament

Thanks to the Boardman girls tennis team, the school’s trophy case just got a little more crowded.

The Spartans advanced players into all five finals, winning two singles championships, en route to a team victory at the Dover Invitational Tournament Saturday.

Boardman last won this event in 2007.

“Before the match, I was telling the girls that when I look at the trophy case, I see things from 30 years ago,” explained Boardman coach Joe Dagati. “I told them to go out and win a trophy that they can bring their kids to see 30 years from now. Then, they went out and did it.”

Team points were given for each match won and the Spartans won the event with 24 points. Massillon Jackson (15) was second. Other teams competing in the event were Dover, Green, New Philadelphia, North Royalton, Westerville South and West Holmes.

“We had no idea what to expect,” said Dagati. “It was impressive the focus the girls had in winning multiple matches in a day to get to the finals. That’s what you have to be able to do in the state tournament. We picked up some confidence and some mental toughness.”

Arina Kravitz won the second singles flight by defeating Anila Kudadir 6-4, 6-2 in the finals. In the No. 3 singles flight, Boardman’s Michelle Kordupel earned an easy 6-0, 6-1 triumph over Dover’s Marquette Hovin.

Lindsay Kirkham-Olsen fell 6-1, 6-3 in the No. 1 singles flight championship match.

In doubles, both Spartan doubles team finished second in their flights. The duo of Rachel Cantanzriti and Nicole Pavlansky lost 6-4, 6-3 in the finals to a team from Green. In the No. 2 doubles flight title match, Jen Moore and Kelly Kordupel lost 6-3, 6-3 to a team from Jackson.

Boardman is off to a solid start in Federal League play as well, compiling an 8-3 record.

“We’re happy with how we’ve done in the Federal League so far,” said Dagati.

“It’s a pretty tough league. We were able to stay close with North Canton Hoover, losing 3-2, and they are undefeated. We’re playing well.”