On April 7 and 9, The Vero Beach High School girls and boys tennis team defeated their opponents in the regional semi-finals and finals and advanced to the state finals. The girls beat Lake Worth and Martin County High School, while the boys defeated Park Vista and Wellington.
State finals start April 15, the day after Vero News and Sebastian River News go to press, so the VBHS teams’ performance in those matches is not reported here, but Vero Beach High School Tennis Coach Ed Shanaphy said both teams will be strong contenders.
Shanaphy’s confidence is based on a number of outstanding players, including senior Brandon Phillips, who is undefeated this season. Brandon played a solid game in the Regional Finals winning 6-2, 6-4.
Senior Andrew Bradshaw is the #3 single and #2 doubles player this year. Andrew is the team leader and has been instrumental in bonding the boys together. He was a 6-1, 6-0 winner against Wellington.
Junior Jake Lupin moved into #4 position late in the season after a wrist injury early in season. Ed said he provides strength and depth. Jake was a 6-0, 6-0 winner against Wellington.
Erik Olliges, another junior, is the #2 singles and #1 doubles player for Vero. Coach Shanaphy said Erik is likely the most gifted player on the team and will be strong at the #2 position in States. Erik was a 7-6, 6-4 winner at the Regional Finals.
Junior Eric Zwemer is the #1 singles and #1 doubles player. Eric has lost only twice all season at the #1 position. He has upped his game and gotten physically stronger over the last 3 months. Eric lost to Wellington 6-3, 6-2.
Sophomore Chloe Schlitt plays #5 singles. Ed said she has improved greatly this year. Chloe did not finish the Regional Final match. Coach Shanaphy said that since the team had qualified during Chloe’s match it was a “clutch,” meaning the match was stopped according to state rules.
Junior Ainsley Bradshaw is the #4 Singles and #2 doubles player. Ainsley has developed the mental part of her game and was a solid 6-0, 6-1 winner versus the Martin County player that played her close earlier in the season.
Senior Patricia Portman is the #2 singles and #1 doubles player. Coach Shanaphy said she has provided steady leadership through season as co-captain. Patricia is undefeated at the #2 position. She won her match 6-0, 6-0 against Martin County.
Senior Erica Susi is the #1 singles and #1 doubles player for Vero Beach High School and #1 player in Region. Erica will be seeded high at States. She has accepted a scholarship to the University of Virginia. Erica is undefeated at #1 singles this year and was a 6-0, 6-0 winner at the Regional Finals.
Virginie Becht, a sophomore, plays as #3 singles and #2 doubles. Ed said Virginia is a “very strong #3” and is 13-0 going to States. She has not lost a set this season and won 6-1, 6-1 winner against Martin County.
Coach Shanaphy said that he has truly enjoyed his first year as VBHS coach. He said having the players focus more on the mental aspect of the game gave them an edge this season.
Shanaphy is President of SBW Associates Inc. in Jupiter FL. SBW provides services consulting and management to tennis and fitness facilities. In the summer Ed is Assistant Director of Tennis at Edgartown Yacht Club in Martha’s Vineyard.