Boca Ciega’s Dan Stefan and East Lake’s Angel Deng will both play for individual state championships today.
Stefan will play for his second straight Class 2A individual state title after winning two matches at the state tournament Monday at Sylvan Lake Park in Sanford. Stefan, the No. 1-seeded player in the tournament, will play at 8 a.m. at Red Bug Lake Park in Casselberry.
“I think it helps me a lot since I’ve been here before,’’ Stefan said. “This year I have a routine and I know what to expect.’’
Stefan started slowly in his opening match. He fell behind 0-2 to Andrew Go of Merritt Island before rallying to win 6-2, 6-4. That set up a semifinal match against Zachary Blythe of Cypress Lake. Stefan had little trouble in that match, winning 6-1, 6-1.
“I tried to conserve my energy early because I knew it could be a long day,’’ Stefan said. “I think I played pretty well. I’m definitely better this year than last year both physically and mentally.’’
Stefan and Nikita Goldenberg had no trouble in doubles against Sam Johnson and Robert Greenlaw of Cape Coral. They won 6-0, 6-1 to advance to today’s semifinals.
Deng, also the No. 1 seed, won her opening-round match of the Class 4A girls individual tournament at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs. She beat Kendal Wilby of Gainesville Buchholz 6-0, 6-2 in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, Deng defeated Julie Bonnewitz of Orlando Boone 6-2, 6-0.
Deng and Kim Herrock are also the top-seeded doubles team in the individual bracket, winning their Day 1 match 6-0, 6-0.