After going undefeated in 2023 on its way to winning the FCIAC and Class LL tournament titles, Greenwich High School’s varsity boys tennis team produced an identical 22-0 record in 2024, while once again, winning both championships.

So, what did the Cardinals do this year for an encore?

They won every single match again and became conference and state champions, of course.

The dynasty continued June 4th, as No. 1-seeded Greenwich completed another undefeated season with a decisive 5-2 win over second-seeded Fairfield Prep in the championship match of the CIAC Class LL Tennis Tournament at Joel Barlow High School in Redding.

With the championship victory, the Cardinals finished the season a perfect 22-0 and ran their winning streak to an astounding 66 consecutive matches dating back to the 2023 season. Three seasons, six tournament championships, 66 straight wins – what a tennis dynasty at Greenwich High School.

“It feels so great,” Greenwich senior captain Alexander Salib said. “At the beginning of the season, I never thought we could do it. I thought we were going to lose to Staples eventually, we were going to slip up against Staples one time. It feels great to be able to win it all – 66-0, finally we completed the dynasty.”

The Cardinals, who advanced to the Class LL Tournament final by defeating fourth-seeded Glastonbury, 4-0, in the semifinal-round, won two of the four singles matches and swept all three doubles matchups in their championship triumph versus Fairfield Prep. Like the Cardinals, the Jesuits entered the tournament’s title tilt undefeated.

Junior Elias Orrell won the fourth and clinching match for Greenwich, by claiming his matchup at No. 4 singles. Orrell posted a highly impressive, hard-fought 6-1, 3-6, 10-2 win over Fairfield Prep freshman Tyler Martinez in one of the most competitive matches of the day.

“It was pretty electric, I was very fortunate to have that experience,” Orrell said of clinching the match for the team with his victory. “There was a lot of pressure, but it was also a lot of fun with everyone watching.”

Orrell emerged as a consistent player in the Cardinals’ successful singles lineup this spring.

“It was great to be in the lineup, but also learn from the people higher up and learn from the team’s mentors,” said Orrell, who also noted that he learned plenty this season.

“I learned the value of being persistent, the value of being determined and how to be passionate and how to put everything into it.”

Sophomore Owen Kwon also significantly made his mark in singles play for the Cards. Kwon concluded his first season at third singles by recording an efficient 6-0, 6-3 victory over Prep senior Nicholas Rotondo.

“I came out ready, prepared and was believing in my teammates,” Kwon said. “I was just trying to focus on one point at a time, stay confident and remember my keys. This year has been great, I was on the team last year, but I didn’t do much. Having my teammates out there to support me, being confident in myself and knowing I can win, helped me.”

Cardinals senior captain Manuel Galli put forth another strong effort at No. 2 singles. Fairfield Prep junior Kelly Devin edged Galli 6-3, 4-7, 10-7 (tiebreaker) at the second singles spot in a back-and-forth matchup.

“It’s unbelievable, we worked toward this moment the whole season,” Galli said of the Cardinals earning a three-peat at the Class LL tourney. “This is not only this team’s effort, it’s been coming for a few years. Since my freshman year, we’ve been working really hard and to finish it off with this is just amazing.”

At No. 1 singles, Salib was defeated by Jesuits senior Luke Levanat, 6-4, 6-1. Salib, who will continue his tennis career at Hamilton College, will compete in the CIAC Invitational Tournament later on this week, as will Galli.

“Being a part of this program has meant a lot to me,” Salib noted. “I invested a lot of time and effort and my heart and soul into this team. To get what we’ve worked for is amazing.”

In doubles action, Greenwich’s undefeated tandem of seniors Rohan Mittal and Cole Frumin were tested, yet once again, passed their latest challenge. Mittal, a captain and Frumin were victorious at No. 1 doubles for the Cards, edging Andrew Beckerlegge/Anduin Thung, 6-4, 2-6, 10-5 (tiebreaker) to remain unbeaten on the season. Mittal/Frumin will also compete in the CIAC Invitational, which begins Sunday.

Cardinals coach Ray Marschall, who has quite an impressive record since he took over the helm at GHS, appreciated his squad’s demeanor and mindset during the state championship match.

“This was one of those days where all the preparation and all the hard work, the weeks of week of working hard in practice paid off,” Marschall said. “I think our guys were comfortable. I got the sense in a couple of matches the Prep guys – they extended a lot of energy yesterday (June 3rd), getting to the finals. But we’ve been here before. Our guys have the experience.”

Senior Pierre August and sophomore Will Neuenfeldt were a straight set success for GHS at second doubles. They beat Prep’s Rohan Thung/Maxwell Varian, 6-1, 6-2. Third doubles saw sophomore Jake Orbanowski and freshman Ryan Stanton cap their winning season with a 6-2, 6-1 triumph for the Cardinals over Matthew Leavay/Elvis Salley.

The Cardinals’ 2025 season to remember featured them going 15-0 in the regular season, winning all three matches in the FCIAC Tournament, including a victory over rival Staples, then registering a record of 4-0 in the Class LL Tournament. Greenwich defeated Staples for the Class LL title the previous two seasons and with its win versus Fairfield Prep this season, it now has 16 state championships to its collection – the most of any boys tennis team in the state.