Harvard Beats Righetti in 2-A Final to Win 5th Tennis Title in a Row

Winning Southern Section titles has become a habit for the Harvard High boys’ tennis team.

On Wednesday, the Saracens won their fifth consecutive Southern Section title by beating Santa Maria Righetti, 10-8, in the 2-A Division final at the Minami Sports Center.

It marked the third 2-A title in a row for Harvard, which finished 19-2. Harvard won the 1-A title in 1987 and 1988.

Harvard’s No. 1 doubles team of Aaron Cohen and J.W. Hobson did much of the damage, sweeping its sets 7-6 (7-3), 6-2, 6-0. The Saracens’ No. 2 doubles team of Steve Jang and Josh Litter won two of three sets (6-1, 6-2, 4-6).

“This feeling is just great,” said Harvard Coach Harry Salamandra, who is completing his 12th season at the school. “Every year is a different team and this team worked hard and they deserved it.”

The loss was the first of the season for Righetti (20-1) and it came in the closest match that Harvard has played in the postseason. In earlier rounds, Harvard won by scores of 17-1, 15-3, 16-2 and 15-3.

Harvard’s No. 1 singles player, freshman Phil Tseng, had problems against Righetti’s top player, senior Josh Johnson. Trailing, 3-2, Tseng rallied to defeat Johnson, 6-3, in his opening set and then cruised to 6-1, 6-1 wins.

“I knew Righetti had some top players, but I came here to do my best and win for the team,” Tseng said. “I was mentally strong and my ability to come up with important points when I needed to was a sure plus.”

Phil’s brother, Charles, lost two of three sets (2-6, 6-2, 4-6) but came up with a big win over Johnson. Tseng came back from being down, 1-0, to take the set, 6-2.