On Wednesday, May 17, the North Shore Vikings Boys' Tennis Team battled a gusty wind and a challenge laid down by the opposing coach, to capture the Conference 3 Team Championship for the Spring 2000 season.

Under the guidance of coaches Jerry Vivona and Brian Klein the team completed the season with an unblemished record of 16 wins and no losses. This year's success was truly the result of a total team effort with timely contributions by each and every player. Junior veteran James Friscia playing 1st singles and rookie standout Stephan Segura at 2nd singles were superb all season against top ranked competition. Junior Chris Miritello and senior Edwin Mora split up their successful doubles team to play 3rd and 4th singles respectively.

This year's three doubles pairings surely gave new meaning to the phrase, "Dynamic Duo." Gabe Haim and Pat Friscia, Nijhad Jamal and Leo Varriale, and Rob Palliser and Gaurav Chandra were virtually unbeatable with each tandem losing only one match all year. This led to a combined 45 win-3 loss record! More importantly, none of them ever lost in the same match, assuring the North Shore team of two wins every time they took to the courts.

The Conference Championship match held at Glen Cove High School proved to be a thrilling climax for the season. The Vikings had defeated the Cold Spring Harbor Seahawks twice during the regular season and the CSH coach believed that no team could beat his three times in one year. Parents and fans from both sides were on hand to support their hometown favorites.

Early victories by James Friscia and the team of Palliser/Chandra, put the Vikings ahead 2-1. CSH came back to make it 2-2 and the momentum seemed to be swinging in their favor. With CSH ahead 5-3 in the third and final set, Jamal and Varriale clawed their way back for a stunning victory and a 3-2 NS margin. This was the spark that Segura needed to close out his two set tie-breaker and clinch the match and the championship for the Vikings. In front of the now jubilant NS fans, Mora then put the icing on the cake and the Vikings were the Conference 3 champs by the decisive score of 5-2.

Other members of this year's undefeated squad included Sam Gordon at first alternate, Brandon Stein, Tyler Gillespie, Dino Marra, Craig Gelberg, and Pavit Sabbarwal. All of these players worked hard all year and with only two seniors being lost to graduation. Next year promises to be another great one for North Shore. It is also interesting to note that the team is also a favorite to achieve team scholar/athlete recognition.

Congratulations for a season you can all be proud of!