Trojans topple ‘Jammers for long-awaited EM title

WATERVILLE – In each of the previous three years, the Mount Desert Island boys tennis team saw its season end in the Eastern Maine Class B semifinals.

For the four seniors who had experienced those seasons’ finishes, Wednesday was not only a welcome chance to see what life was like in the finals, it was also a chance to make the most of a rare opportunity.

The MDI Trojans showed they weren’t satisfied with just advancing beyond the semifinals, seizing control and momentum of Wednesday night’s regional title match early and leaving little doubt as to who the better team. The top-seeded Trojans dethroned defending state and three-time defending regional champion Camden Hills 4-1 at Champions Fitness Center.

“I’ll be honest. I was a little nervous in the beginning because of the stage we were playing at,” said senior No. 2 singles player Robin Daley. “But after jumping on him and getting that first game, I felt much better.”

Daley’s performance pretty much mirrored that of his Trojans as he defeated Quinn Barden in one of the day’s best matches 6-4, 6-3.

The 14-1 Trojans will take on either Cape Elizabeth or Falmouth for the state championship at Lewiston High School Saturday at 4:30 p.m.

The Trojans earned their first trip to the state finals since 2000 on the strength of their doubles teams, both of which won, although top doubled duo and twin brothers Paul Fineman and James Fineman had to go three sets to remain unbeaten this season.

“We didn’t think about it (being unbeaten) as much last year because it wasn’t as long, but we know about it. It’s kind of hard not to think about it, but you do and the pressure’s on,” said Paul Fineman. “Today we just had to settle down and now overswing so much. We just calmed down and be more consistent and we had a lot less unforced errors.”

They did just that and pulled out a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 victory over Parker Taylor and Mark Merchant.

Brother Paul said playing varsity doubles together the last two years has made them a cohesive unit. Then again, it’s the relative stability of the entire team’s lineup that helped get the Trojans a regional title. That, and some newfound maturity and confidence to go with their desire.

“I think last year we played more as seven individuals instead of as a team,” said Paul Fineman. “We didn’t find our identity, so to speak, but this year we really came together as a team early because we knew if we were going to do it, it was going to be this year.”

Trojans No. 2 doubles team and senior duo Kevin Staples and Don Wardman beat Nick Belley and Dan Withey 6-0, 6-2.

“I think today in every match they won, they had a little better skill, power, or they just worked it a little better and I think that’s due to their experience,” said first-year Camden coach Dale Temple, whose No. 2 Windjammers finish their season 13-2 after making their fifth straight regional finals appearance.

Third singles player Noah Brachen, a freshman on the MDI squad, knocked off Willie Levine 7-6 (7-5 tiebreaker), 6-1.

Camden’s only win came from top singles player and senior captain Joey Michalakes, who defeated James Little 6-2, 6-2.

The victory was gratifying for MDI coach Bob Christie.

“They’ve worked hard as a team not just his year, but the last three or four seasons for some of these guys,” Christie said. “This is a lot of fun and very satisfying to see these guys do this.

“They’ve matured and they understand that playing the game with heart and enthusiasm, and getting yourself up when you’re down makes champions.”