Singles trio leads South Side

South Side entered its final two regular-season matches with a record of 4-4 but needing to win-out to duplicate last year’s mark and return to the Nassau boys’ tennis playoffs as the third-place finisher in Conference II-B.

“We started out well and now we’re trying to squeeze into that last playoff spot,” Cyclones coach Chris Colesanti said. “The kids work hard every day. Every match with the exception of one has been competitive.”

With a starting lineup consisting of four seniors, four juniors, one sophomore and two freshmen, South Side has “an interesting mix,” Colesanti noted.

Singles players Dave Rheinarz, Max Kramer and Nate Cabrera are all enjoying fine campaigns, combining for 14 wins against eight losses, while the doubles tandems look to finish strong and reach the break-even point. 

Rheinharz, a freshman, competes at first singles and is holding his own with a record of 3-4 against mostly older and more experienced players. “Dave has made a big difference in our lineup,” Colesanti said. “He’s got a good USTA ranking and trains a lot. He’s a lefty and has a huge topspin forehand and is a great counter-puncher. He’s steady and smart.”

Kramer returned at No. 2 singles after getting a taste of the varsity courts a year ago. A sophomore, he’s won four of seven matches so far while battling through some nagging injuries, Colesanti said. “Max has gotten stronger and taller,” he said. “Last year’s experience served him well. He’s more confident and aggressive, and he’s cut down on errors.”

After three seasons in South Side’s baseball program, Cabrera decided to switch to tennis for his senior year and earned a spot in the starting lineup at third singles. His 7-1 record leads the team, Colesanti said, and he clinched the Cyclones’ season-opening victory over Massapequa. “Once in a while you get a player that comes out of nowhere, and Nate’s that kid,” the coach added. “He’s a tremendous athlete who took lessons over the winter and fought his way into a singles spot. He covers a lot of court and has a big serve.”

The first doubles tandem of senior captain Nick Kalafatis and junior Chris Mullolly returned intact and split their first eight matches. At second doubles, senior captain Joe Weigell and junior Owen Condon have earned three wins, and strong forehand shots have lifted juniors Mike Garcia and Matt Alliotta to three victories at third doubles. At fourth doubles, senior captain Hank Davoli and freshman Tyler Davis have teamed up to go 4-4.