Chiles Tennis Advances in State Tournament After Win Over Leon

On Apr. 24, the Chiles boys tennis team (20-0) took on the Leon Lions (16-4) in the FHSAA 3A regional final match at Chiles High School. The last time these teams competed against each other was in a tournament style format at Tom Brown Park for the district title. Chiles had the slightest advantage over the Lions winning with a total of 18 points while Leon came in second with 17. The regional final match was another close contest as it came down to the last two doubles matches to decide who was advancing. Chiles ended up winning at the first doubles position, clinching the match and beating Leon 4-3.

Chiles got off to a good start winning the fifth and fourth singles position with Wesley Kuntz (Jr.) and Michael Matarko (Jr.) beating Will Morino (So.) and Miles Noel (Fr.) in straight sets, respectively. Chiles’ Omar Mongerie (Fr.) picked up the Timberwolves’ third point at the third position beating Andy Lara (Sr.) in a tie breaker 10-6. Despite being down 3-0, the Lions closed the gap by winning the first and second singles position with Gabe Garcia (Sr.) and Axton Boonswang (Fr.) beating Chiles’ Sebastian Roane (Sr.) and Evan Rodenberg (Fr.), respectively.

To win the match, the Lions would have had to win both doubles matches at the first and second position. Leon was not able to complete the comeback losing the first doubles position with Andy Lara and Gabe Garcia losing to Sebastian Roane and Evan Rodenburg in straight sets. Although they could not win at the first position the Lions did win the second doubles position with Miles Noel and Axton Boonswang beating Omar Mongerie and Michael Matarko in straight sets.

With this 4-3 win against the Lions, Chiles plays Innovation in the state quarterfinals at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs, FL.