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Boys tennis: Terriers capture crown

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By KATHERINE SMITH

ksmith@tampatrib.com

Published: April 16, 2009

TAMPA - In 26 years of coaching high school tennis, Charles Roberts never had a day quite like Wednesday.

His Hillsborough boys team defeated defending Class 3A state champion Wharton 16-15 for the District 9 title. The Terriers will host the runner-up of the 3A-District 10 tournament, which concludes today, in Tuesday's regional action, while Wharton must travel to face the 3A-10 champ.

Hillsborough laid the groundwork for the upset during the first day of competition, advancing all five singles players to the finals. Wharton advanced three. Entering the final two matches, the Wildcats needed victories in No. 1 and No. 2 doubles to win.

Hillsborough's Jay Mendoza and Brian Kowalski clinched the title with a 6-2, 6-3 victory in No. 2 doubles. Wharton's Michael Alford and Rohit Navelkar needed three sets to win the No. 1 doubles title, which earns them an automatic berth at state. Alford also advances to state with his No. 1 singles crown.

Plant won the girls title by winning four of the five singles matches and both doubles. Amber Li earned a spot at state with her straight-set victory against Chamberlain's Jennifer Miller at No. 1 singles.

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