SAVAGE — Ellen Fussy believes this will not be the last time Matthew Moraghan plays in a state singles match.
The Brainerd Warriors freshman got his first taste of state Thursday, June 10, in the Class 2A State Singles tournament at Prior Lake High School.
Moraghan suffered a 6-1, 6-1 loss to Joshua Christensen of Century in the opening round.
“It’s the best in the state you’re going to see there and Matthew was one of the 16 players competing there,” Fussy said. “We’re not highly disappointed. He played really well. Maybe the first game he was a little shaky, but most of the games he brought to deuce. Matthew competed. He didn’t walk in there thinking he was out of his league and that was good to see. It was a great experience for him.
“I don’t want to jinx it or anything, but I just don’t think it will be the last time that he’s there.”
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Christensen was then eliminated by Bjorn Swenson of Mounds View who is the top-ranked Class 2A player.
“I expect Matthew to come back next year with more confidence,” Fussy said. “You get into that feeling that you’ve been there before and you can do it again. After the match, we visited a little bit and talked about things he’ll work on this offseason. When you go to state you’re going to see kids that do play all year round and that have their own tennis professionals and have inside venues maybe 10 to 15 minutes away from their house.
“But knowing Matthew and his family I know they have some plans to put in some work this offseason. He’ll get nothing but stronger as he grows as a young man.”
Moraghan finishes his freshman year and first as a varsity player with a 19-13 record.
“I think he’s going to put in a lot of court time this summer and we talked about working on his serve and getting more power on his serve and I think he’ll work on his net game. I’m confident of that. He’s really a strong baseline player, but I know he’ll make his net game something to be reckoned with as well.”
Singles
Opening round: Joshua Christensen (Century) def. Matthew Moraghan (Brainerd) 6-1, 6-1
