CRUSADERS SUFFER FIRST DEFEAT IN 4-1 SETBACK TO DAYTON

April 13, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CLARK, NJ – The Johnson Crusaders boys’ tennis team suffered their first setback of the season, in an intense 4-1 loss to the Dayton Bulldogs Friday afternoon at the JTC.

Playing to clinch a berth in their eighth straight NJSIAA State Tournament, Johnson (5-1, 3-0) fought to the point where there were three matches remaining, two in a third set and one with Johnson in the lead, and the Crusaders had the opportunity to pull off the upset.

First singles sophomore Chris Tylutki earned his first career victory over junior Mario Grant of Dayton in a three set thriller 6-4, 2-6, and 6-2. Junior Luke Ginocchio dropped a hard fought three set match to junior Robert Krebner of Dayton 4-6, 6-1, 7-5. The second doubles team of freshman Eric Ginocchio and sophomore Brian Lutz fell to the Dayton second doubles team of junior Justin Wolf and sophomore Jonathan Friedman 6-3, 6-1.

“I was proud of how hard our guys fought,” said Johnson head coach Craig D’Amico. “They battled hard, and gave us an opportunity at the end with three matches going on to give us a chance to win today. If we battle this hard the rest of the season we are going to be a tough team to beat.”

After wrapping up a week of four matches which saw Johnson go 3-1, the Blue and White will return to the courts on Tuesday, April 17th when they travel to Berkeley Heights to battle the Governor Livingston Highlanders in an MVC-MD conference clash. Game time is set for 4 p.m. at Columbia Park.

RESULTS

Jonathan Dayton 4, Arthur L Johnson 1

Apr 13, 2007 at Clark, NJ

Jonathan Dayton 4, Arthur L Johnson 1

Singles competition

1. Chris Tylutki (ALJ) def. Mario Grant (DAY) 6-4, 2-6, 6-2

2. Dan Karlin (DAY) def. Mike Keenan (ALJ) 6-1, 6-0

3. Robert Krebner (DAY) def. Luke Ginocchio (ALJ) 4-6, 6-1, 7-5

Doubles competition

1. Jordan Gelband/Colin Greten (DAY) def. James Villari/John Monagle (ALJ) 6-4, 6-1

2. Justin Wolf/Jonathan Friedman (DAY) def. Eric Ginocchio/Brian Lutz (ALJ) 6-3, 6-1

Match Notes:

Jonathan Dayton 2-0, Arthur L Johnson 5-1, 3-0