Oceanside serves up success

Despite returning only four of its starting 11 from a year ago, Oceanside’s boys’ tennis team is in the thick of the Conference 2-B title race with three matches remaining.

“Every match has been close,” Sailors coach Barry Kubit said after a hard-fought loss to Lynbrook last Friday dropped their record to 7-2. “Not to take anything away from our singles players because they’re the best three we’ve got, but other teams are having trouble matching our balance and depth at doubles.”

Led by seniors Lance Ribacoff and Matt Ringer at first doubles, Oceanside has often swept all four matches at doubles and gains a split on its worst of days. Ribacoff and Ringer lost for the first time this spring last Friday after six straight wins.

“They’re a unique tandem,” Kubit said. “They’re strong defensively and they and frustrate opponents by getting everything back. They don’t hit particularly hard, but they’re fundamentally sound and compliment each other well and communicate.”

At second doubles, junior Greg Flax and sophomore David Bader are undefeated as partners and have a combined record of 16-1. Sophomores Bryan Bernstein and Ross Taylor have won six in a row at third doubles after falling in the opener, while the fourth doubles tandem of senior Ben Shapiro and Harrison Sklar have developed a knack for grinding out three-set victories. “Our fourth doubles has won three out of four three-set matches,” Kubit said. “They’ve been resilient.”

Sophomore Brandon Hoovis has proven a super sub at doubles, winning all four times he’s stepped on the court. Sophomore Josh Jacoby and freshman Jesse Cyrulnik have also contributed a win.

At singles, the Sailors are led by Brett Uslander in the No. 1 slot. He competed a second singles a year ago. “Brett’s a good inspiration for everyone because of his work ethic,” Kubit said. “He’s in a tough situation going up against the best player at every other school. He always mixes his shots well and gives 110 percent.”

Also up one slot from 2009, junior Jason Fiderer has a smooth all-around game, Kubit said, and thus far has picked up two wins at second singles. “He’s got consistent ground strokes,” Kubit said.

Sophomore Samson Forman is more than holding his own at third singles with an impressive 5-2 mark. His biggest victory came April 28 when Oceanside knocked off previously undefeated Garden City, losing only two matches. Forman beat Brian Heinze in straight sets 7-6, 6-2.

The Sailors, who will play host to the Nassau County Tournament the weekend of May 15-16, could earn a share of first place in the conference if they sweep their last three matches and Lynbrook defeats Garden City.