Mason ends Wilson’s season

FISHERSVILLE — There was just one difference that stood out in the Region B tennis match between Wilson Memorial and George Mason Saturday —  the location.

For the first time in five years, the match was held at Wilson instead of in Falls Church.

Although the courts were different the outcome was the same. Mason took out Wilson 5-0 to reach the Region B final.

“I wish that we would cut down on our unforced errors,” Mason coach Matt Sowers said. “When it came down to the scores, there were some ones and an occasional two. I was comfortable with the games we were dropping because it was on their serve. If we can hold serve I’m confident we can get a couple breaks and be fine.”

Wilson’s Matt Harris took on Brian Sham at No. 1 singles to start off the match.

Sham’s consistency proved too much as the Mustang coasted to a 6-0, 6-1 victory.

Tim Goetz also won his singles match over Ben Boward by a score of 6-0, 6-0, one of only two Mustangs to sweep their match.

“Tim and Brian are very different,” Sowers added. “One wins with his finesse and skills while the other is Mr. Consistent.”

After a few games, it was noticeable that Goetz was getting into Boward’s head with his slices.

“They have to have the right goals,” Wilson coach Scott Steele commented about motivating his players. “They need to have a realistic goal that every time they step on the court they get a little better.”

Chris Ott and Alex Sams gave the best performances for the Hornets on the score card.

Ott and Sams fell to Johnny Vroom and Chris An respectively by scores of 6-1, 6-2.

“We played a tough team and won a few games,” Steele said. “They did well.”

Jon Phuong’s match was never completed since Mason had already reached the five points needed to win the match.

Sam Waters was ahead of Phuong at the time 6-2, 2-3.

“We have had matches where teams were worse than us and we win 9-0. Obviously, today we were on the opposite side,” Steele laughed.

Mason will continue the quest for another Group A title Saturday against the winner of Goochland and Appomattox.

“Last year we lost in the state semifinals against Radford,” Sowers stated. “And then we won four straight state titles before that, so last year was a bit of a heartbreak for the guys.”