LARGO — The euphoria over Largo’s elusive boys district team title was over.
On Tuesday, the Packers had to face a Sarasota team loaded with powerful players, including Spencer Arias, the son of Jimmy Arias, the former No. 6 player in the world.
Largo, meanwhile, had a singles lineup that included one senior, one junior and three freshmen.
The difference in experience showed as the Packers lost 7-0 in a Class 3A regional.
“We had some good matches, but we’re just not seasoned as a team,” Largo coach Patti Beck said. “But the guys came off the court knowing what they do to get better.”
Despite the score, there were some close matches. At No. 3 singles, Kush Patel lost 7-5, 6-3. Chris Walters fell at No. 4 singles 6-4, 6-4.
“There are no complaints,” Beck said. “I thought our guys played well. We just ran into a better team. We’ll be fine. We just need to get more experience playing in these types of matches.”
Osceola overwhelmed: Osceola’s boys had a tough time against Venice in a 5-0 loss in 3A. Michael Detsis played well for the Warriors at No. 1 singles but fell short 6-2, 6-4.
“We battled hard in both matches,” Osceola boys and girls coach Alberto Lense said. “But the talent down in the Manatee/Sarasota area is just above where we are at right now.”
Girls
Lakewood makes it look easy: Lakewood’s girls traveled two hours to play Lake Placid in Class 2A.
Turns out, the bus ride was the longest part of the trip.
The Spartans cruised to a 7-0 victory and did not drop a set in singles or doubles.
In singles, Avni Agrawal (No. 1), KC Shelton (No. 2), Alie Dangar (No. 3), Raven Adams (No. 4) and Anjelica Williams (No. 5) won.
The match was decided during singles, but the teams agreed to play both doubles.
“I figured we drove all this way, we might as well get our money’s worth,” Lakewood coach Brian Taylor said.
Agrawal and Adams teamed to win at No. 1. Dangar paired with Shelton to win No. 2 doubles.
“We played well in all matches,” Taylor said. “This was more of a tuneup because it’ll be a much tougher test on Thursday.”
Vikings stumble: Northeast’s girls were overmatched against Venice, losing 5-0 in Class 3A.
“We played about as well as we could,” Vikings coach Lisa Passuello said. “That was a phenomenal team we went up against.”
In singles, Northeast had only two players who won games, No. 1 Zunja Kisin (6-1, 6-1) and No. 5 Aina Rossello (6-2, 6-0).
Warriors struggle: Osceola lost 5-2 to Bradenton Lakewood Ranch in Class 3A.
Jayla Smith won at No. 2 singles for the Warriors, 6-2, 6-1. She also teamed with sister Jade to win at No. 1 doubles 8-5 in a pro set.