South Brunswick Boys Tennis Triumphs in GMC Tournament

May 1, 2025 at 9:40 PM

The South Brunswick boys tennis team achieved a historic victory by clinching the Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) Tournament championship for the first time since 2019. This remarkable feat unfolded at Veterans Park in Hamilton over two days of intense competition. With a total of 40 points, the Vikings edged past East Brunswick, who amassed 36 points and had previously claimed three consecutive titles. Monroe and J.P. Stevens tied for third with 22 points each, while Edison followed closely behind with 20 points. Key victories in singles matches, along with commendable performances in doubles, solidified South Brunswick's position atop the leaderboard.

In a thrilling conclusion to the tournament, Oliver Chen, seeded third, delivered an exhilarating performance against top-seeded Vinieth Elango from Edison in the second singles final. Despite physical exhaustion, Chen demonstrated unwavering determination, prevailing in a grueling three-set match with scores of 7-5, 4-6, and (10-7). A refreshing Gatorade break rejuvenated Chen, allowing him to push through the final set. Similarly, Vidhyut Kumar secured the third singles title for South Brunswick by defeating Sawrit Singh of J.P. Stevens in straight sets, showcasing exceptional consistency and skill.

Another highlight of the tournament was Vaibhav Venkatesan of Edison Magnet School, who captured his school’s inaugural individual title in the first singles category. After narrowly missing out on the crown last year, Venkatesan triumphed over Andrew Cui from East Brunswick with scores of 6-0 and 7-5. His ability to maintain composure under pressure proved pivotal in securing victory. Meanwhile, East Brunswick excelled in doubles events, with Jayden He and Romit Shah winning the first doubles title and Timur Savin and Ajay Geria claiming the second doubles crown. Their teamwork and strategic play were instrumental in their successes.

South Brunswick's journey to the championship reflects years of dedication and perseverance. The team has consistently finished as runners-up to East Brunswick in recent tournaments, making this victory all the more sweet. Led by a cohesive group of players, including standout sophomore Vidhyut Kumar, the Vikings are poised for continued success. Coach John Lolli praised the team’s unity and focus, particularly highlighting their motivation to win for senior Amrit Manojkumar. Moving forward, the young roster promises even greater achievements in the future.

This championship marks a turning point for South Brunswick boys tennis, validating their hard work and resilience. Players like Oliver Chen and Vidhyut Kumar have set new standards of excellence, inspiring their teammates and rivals alike. As the season progresses, fans eagerly anticipate further accomplishments from this dynamic squad, cementing their legacy in the GMC conference.