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Tuesday, 13 May 2008 |
 Wapakoneta junior Alexander Hager prepares for a backhand shot during his semifinal match on Monday. (Staff photo/ Joshua Keeran)
By JOSHUA KEERAN
Sports Editor
LIMA – The sign of a true champion is being able to find a way to win even when it appears defeat awaits.
On Monday, Wapakoneta junior tennis stud Alexander Hager did just that as he fought his way back from early struggles to win the program’s first Western Buckeye League first singles title in more than 20 years. In his semifinal match against Shawnee’s Sam Rutter, Hager had his fair share of problems getting the ball over the net and Rutter took advantage, coasting to a 6-2 first-set victory.
“Alex started really slow,” Wapakoneta varsity boys tennis coach Darrell Heintz said. “The first set was full of unforced errors, and Sam was really on. “
With momentum on his side, Rutter had a chance to put Hager away in the second set, but the Redskin state qualifier from a year ago would have nothing of it.
Hager rallied to win the second set 6-2, and in the third set, Hager earned a berth in the first singles finals with a 6-0 win.
“Alex got back in the game by hitting steady ground strokes, being patient and waiting for his shots,” Heintz said. “Sam spent so much energy in the first set that he couldn’t stay with Alex in the second and third set.”
Hager had little time to celebrate his come-from-behind victory as he quickly had to turn his thoughts to his old nemesis from Elida — Evan Neuman, who defeated Hager during the regular season.
In a battle of two players that competed in the state tournament a year ago, Hager emerged a three-set victor 6-2, 2-6, 6-3.
“This match featured some great tennis as you would expect from two state qualifiers,” Heintz said. “Alex had some outstanding shots in the first set and forced Evan to go for a lot of shots that didn’t fall.
“In the second set, Evan played a lot better. Alex regrouped and got control of the match with some great forehand shots on key points. The last shot of the match was a forehand shot that Alex ripped by Evan,” Heintz said.
The Wapakoneta squad returns to action on Thursday in the sectional tournament at Ohio Northern University.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 14 May 2008 )
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