By Kim J. Harmon

WESTON – Head coach Marty Margulies was wary of what might happen when the Newtown High School boys’ tennis team (so dominant in its first three matches) traveled to Weston.

His worries materialized in the form of a 7-0 loss.

“Some of our players were simply overmatched by more experienced opponents,” said coach Margulies, “especially in the second and third doubles. Others did not play up to their usual levels.”

The singles portion of the match was a war and although John Perachio, Sean O’Mahoney, Matt McFadden and Justin Bass were all bested, none of the four made it all that easy on their opponent. Perachio fell 7-6, 6-1 to Alex Brandfon at No. 1, O’Mahoney fell 6-1, 6-1 to Matt Silver at No. 2, McFadden fell 6-3, 6-3 at No. 3, and Bass fell 6-3, 2-6, 0-6 at No. 4.

“Justin had a dominating first-set performance,” said coach Margulies. “Unfortunately Justin, hampered by an old shoulder injury, faded toward the end.”

Jason Garbarino and Mark Stephenson were tough in a 2-6, 7-5, 2-6 loss at No. 1 doubles. Matt Lask and Bruno Moura were dispatched 6-1, 6-1 at No. 2 doubles, and Jim He and Felipe Moura were blanked 6-0, 6-0 at No. 3 doubles.

“Another bright spot was the first doubles team’s poise and consistency,” said coach Margulies. “That resulted in a near win against the same duo that blanked us 6-0, 6-0 a year ago.”

Things went a lot easier for the ‘Hawks two days before, when the locals swept Notre Dame 7-0 and lost just five points on the afternoon. O’Mahoney (playing at No. 1 singles), McFadden, Bass and Garbarino all won singles matches while Lask/Moura (at No. 1 doubles) and Felipe Moura and Tom Rodbell earned doubles wins. Drew Adamek and Max Margulies earned a win at No. 3 doubles by default.

“Tom and Felipe overpowered their doubles opponents in Tom’s first appearance as a varsity player,” said coach Margulies.

The ‘Hawks were set to host Bethel on Wednesday and then travel to Jonathan Law on Thursday. They will host Masuk on Monday, May 5, and then travel to Danbury on Wednesday, May 7, to battle Immaculate.