Bexley Boys Tennis Secures OTCA Division II State Title After Nine-Year Wait

The Bexley boys tennis team capped off their weekend in Mason with a significant achievement, claiming their first Ohio Tennis Coaches Association (OTCA) state championship in nine years. On May 30, the Lions triumphed over Cincinnati Indian Hill with a narrow 3-2 victory in the Division II final at the Lindner Family Tennis Center.

Freshman Harrison Lessard played a pivotal role in clinching the title, overcoming recent injuries that had hampered his performance in the OHSAA individual state tournament. He secured the decisive match by defeating Indian Hill’s Gareth Kurowski with a score of 7-5, 7-6 at second singles. This victory not only marked a comeback for Lessard but also avenged a previous defeat in the doubles final where Kurowski and Neelan Gandhi had bested Bexley’s Adrian Schiff and Henry Lessard.

In the final showdown, senior Amiya Bowles showcased his skills at third singles, winning 6-4, 6-3 against Eli Camp, while Henry Lessard dominated Neelan Gandhi at first singles with a score of 6-1, 6-1. Despite this success, Bexley faced challenges in the doubles matches, ultimately losing both. Schiff and junior Luke Hollo fell 6-1, 6-1 at No. 1 doubles, while the team of senior Jack Ryan and freshman Hunter Weiland lost 6-1, 6-1 at second doubles.

This championship win adds to Bexley’s storied history in tennis, having previously won their first OTCA title back in 1975. In the semifinals leading up to the final, Bexley had a strong performance, sweeping Lexington 3-0.

In a separate Division I final, Olentangy Orange faced Cincinnati St. Xavier, where they were narrowly defeated 3-1, marking their third state tournament appearance in four years.