South Side needs big finish

With only two playoffs spots available in Nassau Conference II-B boys’ tennis, South Side has little margin for error despite entering the stretch run with a record of 6-3.

The Cyclones are one of three teams looking up at first-place Hewlett and battling for what appears to be the lone remaining postseason berth. “Our backs are against the wall because we went from three playoff teams down to two in our conference,” South Side coach Chris Colesanti said. “We might have to run the table to get in. The good thing is we’re a young team with a lot of juniors and sophomores contributing.”

If the Cyclones continue to make good things happen in doubles, anything is possible over the last five matches, Colesanti noted. Each of their four pairings brought a winning record into this week’s action, including unbeaten sophomores Dino Dervovic and Cole Cornell at third doubles. They’re 9-0 after helping lead the way to a victory over Valley Stream Central last Friday.

“They’ve been dominant,” Colesanti said of Dervovic and Cornell. “Dino was an alternate last year and it’s Cole’s first year in the program. Dino is hitting huge ground strokes and Cole is a talented net player.”

At second doubles, juniors Harry Swett and Matt Rusniyak played lights-out during tryouts and carried it over into the season. They’ve won six matches and are looking for more. “They’re both steady and interchangeable,” Colesanti said. “They’re rock-solid.”

The top tandem of junior Harry Ludwig and senior Colin Mullooly is starting to hit stride and also has six wins, the coach said. “They’ve got their mojo going and playing with a lot of emotion,” Colesanti said.

At fourth doubles, juniors Andrew Cardi and Ryan Trantel emerged midway through the season and sit undefeated through five matches, including a win in the No. 1 position against Massapequa. Sophomores Will Shutkind and Phil Frank also had some success in the slot with a 4-2 mark.

“Up and down the lineup, I’ve been pleasantly surprised with our doubles,” Colesanti said.

Senior James Ryan, who will attend Columbia, has been South Side’s top singles player for the past two years and is a four-year starter. On April 26, Ryan turned the tables on Lynbrook’s Azam Hussain with a three-set victory after he lost in straight sets earlier in the campaign. “James is a great student and tennis player who competes hard every match,” Colesanti said.

At No. 2 singles, senior Chuck Silecchia has more wins than losses in his first year competing since 2014. “I knew he’d be such a great pickup,” Colesanti said. “He’s the most competitive and athletic kid on our team. He has a unique playing style and fights tooth and nail for every point.”

Thriving at third singles is sophomore Justin Seplowe, who played first doubles last spring. His record stands at 8-1, thanks in large part to a powerful serve, forehand and overhead smash.