By By STEVE MORRISON / Niles Daily Star
NILES – For an impressive fifth straight year Brandywine coach Joe Marazita's tennis team is on the road to the Michigan High School Athletic Association, Division Four, State Tennis Finals.
The finals begin today on the Michigan State University campus and continue on Saturday.
The Bobcats have seemed destined for a great season since they began in March.
During unusually cold spring weather, the Bobcats have been on a hot streak that has propelled them to a 16-1 team match record that includes Lakeland Conference and regional championships.
In addition, Amelia Harrison and Jamie Bartuska, the only seniors on the talented squad, have been honored by receiving invitations to compete in the upcoming annual Sportsfest, which matches standout high school athletes from Michigan and Indiana competing against each other on all-star teams in an array of various sports.
Marazita holds an outstanding137-18-5 record, in his 12 seasons as the mentor of the Bobcat netters. He is optimistic about this year's chances for his charges, but his message to the squad is intelligently conservative.
"No doubt we had a very good season (16-1), but it can be even better with a strong showing at State." he analyzed. "We are going to have to bring out our "A" game, as all the teams competing are solid and want to finish strong," he continued. "We had a good scrimmage with Dowagiac (Who are also in the finals.), Tuesday. So I hope that carries over into the tournament. As long as the kids give 100 percent, I'll be satisfied," he concluded.
Here is an individual look at Brandywine's records, going into the finals.
Singles
No. 1 Amelia Harrison (21-4)
No. 2 Brittney Patterson (25-1)
No. 3 Aubrey Espick (22-2)
No. 4 Ariel Prescott (22-1)
Doubles
No. 1 Jamie Bartuska / Jo Ferenczi
(25-1)
No. 2 Nicole Coshow / Lynette Earl
(23-3)
No. 3 Katie Irons / Ashley Light
(20-2)
No. 4 Brooke Ford / Lauren
Leonard (6-0)