For a team that didn’t get to play on its home courts this season due to them being resurfaced, Mercer County Park has become a second home for Haddon Township.
Haddon Township Thursday won its second Group 1 title in three years as it defeated Madison, 4-1, in the final round.
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The Hawks have reached the state final each of the last three years.
They’ve also made the hour trip to Mercer County Park to play in the semifinals or finals in each of the past five seasons.
“It’s a little different than the first time I’m so happy for the guys,” Haddon Township coach Brian Erhardt said. “We’ve pushed them and they have put in a ton of work. They deserve it so much.
“They are really special. My son is on the team, and he’s my last one, and I feel like all the guys on my team are my kids. I have elation for them that they were able to win. It’s just so special.”
Haddon Township (21-0) saw its top two singles standouts, Christian Erhardt and Alexander Noone secure decisive victories in the final to help deliver the championship.
Erhardt at first singles was first off the courts with a 6-0, 6-3 win over Broderick Dineen. Noone provided the clinching third point with a 6-2, 6-1 triumph against Dashiell James.
“Slowing down the pace and staying in the point long enough was important to me,” Christian Erhardt said. “I waited for my opponent to make mistakes.”
Nathan Keating and Declan Mennuti also capped their undefeated dual season with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Raphael Joiris and Jack Sommers.
Haddon Township’s other point came at third singles where Colin Engelbert’s opponent, Bryce Curey, retired from the match early due to issues with the heat. Engelbert won the opening set, 6-3, before the match was called.
“Alex usually starts slow, but got into a groove early. Our second doubles went undefeated all year. They are very aggressive and they did a great job,” Brian Erhardt said. “Colin was playing a good match and I think he would have won even if they played the whole match. And finally Christian was Christian. He’s unorthodox at times. He drives his opponents crazy sometimes.”
Erhardt missed a month with sprains to both his ankles, but he was able to return just in time for the state tournament.
“I did my job,” he said.
Madison (18-5), which edged Park Ridge, 3-2, in its semifinals match, was searching for its initial state title. The Dodgers made their first trip to the group championships since 1998.
Scott Sullivan and Luke Cimino provided Madison’s lone point of the afternoon with a dominating 6-0, 6-3 win at first doubles against James Arizzi and Max Radley.
Haddon Township wasn’t sure if it was even going to get a chance to play for its second-ever state title as it had a fight on its hands in the semifinals in the morning. The Hawks narrowly defeated New Providence, 3-2, behind marathon wins at third singles, first doubles and second doubles.
Arizzi and Radley came back to win at first doubles in a 10-point tiebreaker, 3-6, 6-1, (10-7). Engelbert at third singles clinched the win with a dramatic 7-6(7-3), 3-6, (10-2) thriller.
The coaching staff reminded Engelbert about a drill they do in practice where players only play a match with their first serve, and that allowed him to be prepared for the tiebreaker.
“He got his first serve in and steamrolled from there,” Brian Erhardt said. “He got up quick and got out to a big lead over his opponent and it was tough for him to come back.”
Haddon Township went unbeaten on the season despite traveling for matches and practices. It wasn’t always easy, but the Hawks grinded through all the constant travel.
“We help lift each other up,” Christian Erhardt said. “We haven’t had home courts for the entire season. It’s been challenging, but we’ve figured it out and kept our spirits high. It was difficult, but we adjusted. We’ve had so many challenges, but it is insane to go undefeated and win states.”
“While coach Erhardt does not believe this win and the recent string of success for the Hawks have moved the needle in terms of respect from teams up north, Christian Erhardt thinks it does.
“We’re happy being the underdogs,” Brian Erhardt said. “We just handle our business.”
“Definitely. I think the North and Central teams consistently have solid teams,” Christian Erhardt said. “It is good to represent South Jersey like the way we have.”
Chris Nalwasky may be reached at [email protected]. Follow us on social: Facebook | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter).
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