May 15, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MANASQUAN, NJ – In their eighth straight NJSIAA State Team Tournament appearance, the sixth seeded Johnson Crusaders boys’ tennis team (10-5, 5-2) dropped a close 3-2 match to the Manasquan Warriors (10-5) of the Shore Conference on Tuesday afternoon at the Atlantic Club in Manasquan.

The final quarterfinal match of the Central, Group II bracket saw the Warriors advance to Thursday’s semi-finals to host the Governor Livingston Highlanders, while the defending champion, and top seed, Rumson Fair Haven Bulldogs will meet the New Providence Pioneers in the other semi-final.

Johnson earned victories at first singles with sophomore Chris Tylutki, a 6-1, 6-4 winner over Bryson McTighe, and at the first doubles position with juniors James Villari and John Monagle, 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 over the team of Kent Ochse and Kyle Smith. 

“I was extremely proud of how we played today. This year we’ve played our best tennis in tournament play,” said Johnson head coach Craig D’Amico. “3-2 is the closest we’ve been in a state playoff in several years. It was an exciting match, and while we’re disappointed that we didn’t win, this whole experience was a thrill and we’re already looking forward to making a run at consecutive tournament number nine next year.”

This marked Johnson’s fourth season in Central, Group II, with it being the third straight season that the Crusaders received the number six seed. The previous two seasons, Johnson was ousted in the quarterfinal round by the eventual Central, Group II champions, the Rumson Fair Haven Bulldogs.

Since the current streak of eight straight tournaments began in 2000, Johnson has been eliminated by the eventual champion in four of the seven previous seasons. The final score of 3-2 against Manasquan was the closest state playoff game for the Crusaders since they last won a state playoff game in 2003, 3-2 over Madison.

The Crusaders still have four matches remaining on the season, and will begin that stretch when they host the Union Farmers at the Johnson Tennis Courts Thursday afternoon at 4:00 p.m.

RESULTS:

Arthur L Johnson vs. Manasquan

May 15, 2007 at Manasquan, NJ

Manasquan 3, Arthur L Johnson 2

 Singles competition

1. Chris Tylutki (ALJ) def. Bryson McTighe (MSQ) 6-1, 6-4

2. James Arides (MSQ) def. Mike Keenan (ALJ) 6-4, 6-4

3. John Van Wagner (MSQ) def. Luke Ginocchio (ALJ) 6-3, 6-1

 Doubles competition

1. James Villari/John Monagle (ALJ) def. Kent Ochse/Kyle Smith (MSQ) 6-3, 2-6, 6-3

2. Brendan Dooley/Pete Tausek (MSQ) def. Brian Lutz/Joe Broccoli (ALJ) 6-1, 6-2

Arthur L Johnson 10-5, 5-2, Manasquan 10-5