May 5, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

            In the closest match of the series since 2003, the Johnson Crusaders (9-4, 4-2) fell just short in their upset bid over the New Providence Pioneers (5-4, 4-0) on Friday afternoon at the JTC, with first place in the MVC Mountain Division on the line.

            Having never defeated the Pioneers at the JTC in the modern era, the match was eerily similar to a 3-2 New Providence victory back on 5/27/03. That match was the end of Johnson’s 25 match home winning streak, and saw the outcome come down to the backup second doubles team of Bill Weslosky and John Zaleski.

            Fast forward to the match at hand, after a victory by first singles sophomore Chris Tylutki 6-1, 6-3 over sophomore Ray Le and a three set victory by third singles Luke Ginocchio over Eric Tang 6-2, 5-7, 6-1, the match was deadlocked at 2-2 and once again came down to a backup second doubles team.

             Juniors James Villari and Joe Broccoli were defeated by James Davies and Steve Lester to clinch the match for New Providence 6-2, 6-2.

            New Providence swept Johnson for the fourth straight season, however this being the closest match between the two schools since the Pioneers current string started. The Pioneers, the defending conference champions, opened up a two game lead over the competition in the current MVC-MD standings.

            Johnson will get some time off before returning to varsity action next Thursday, May 10th, in a conference clash with the Oratory Prep Rams. The Crusaders defeated the Rams 4-1 in the 2007 season opener back in April. Game time is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.  

RESULTS:

May 04, 2007 at Clark, NJ

New Providence 3, Arthur L Johnson 2

 Singles competition

1. Chris Tylutki (ALJ) def. Ray Le (NP) 6-1, 6-3

2. Adam Vidal (NP) def. Mike Keenan (ALJ) 6-3, 6-1

3. Luke Ginocchio (ALJ) def. Eric Tang (NP) 6-2, 5-7, 6-1

 Doubles competition

1. Bill Beck/Andrew Fezza (NP) def. Eric Ginocchio/Brian Lutz (ALJ) 6-0, 6-0

2. James Davies/Steve Lester (NP) def. James Villari/Joe Broccoli (ALJ) 6-2, 6-2

Match Notes:

New Providence 5-4, 4-0, Arthur L Johnson 9-4, 4-2