Ian Costanzo described a two-set victory over Upper Merion's Chetan Mitra on

Ian Costanzo

April 12 as a highlight of his three-year tennis career. Costanzo, the No. 2 singles player on Upper Perkiomen's tennis team, said he came out of the match feeling excited and confident.

            "I poured my heart out," he said. (Mitra) really pushed me. I didn't want to let it go."

            Costanzo's game has made significant strides during his junior season, according to head coach John Williamson. He said the player has developed more consistency with a variety of his shots, improved his serve and his net play.

            Costanzo prefers to charge the net and score the point with a passing shot rather than get caught up in a long volley and waiting for his opponent to make a mistake.  "It's more exciting to smash a volley," he said.

            On Tuesday, the Indians posted a 7-0 victory over Pottstown in their final home match of the season. Adam Dockery, their No. 1 singles player, and Costanzo, each posted 6-0, 6-0 victories. Joel Williams, a senior, notched a 6-2, 6-4 win over Alix Stewart at No. 3 singles.

Cameron Marshall and Cory Aldinger, a pair of seniors playing at No. 1 doubles, registered a 6-1, 6-2 victory. Aaron Lovelace, their classmate, won an exhibition match.

            After losing 7-0 to Spring-Ford on April 11, Upper Perkiomen rebounded the following day with a strong effort against Upper Merion. 

            The Indians won two of the four doubles matches. Nick Caciolo and Jaden Fisher, their No. 3 doubles team, defeated Mohammed Alamgir and Jayan Siddharth 6-4, 6-4. Dean Miller and Andrew Nguyen dominated Myles Gamble and Chris Try 6-1, 6-0 at No 4 doubles.

            Costanzo surprised himself with a 7-6, 6-1 victory over Mitra. He wasn't expecting to win as the two players warned up, but his opinion changed during the middle of the first set.

"There were a lot of long volleys, awkward shots and weird rallies," Costanzo said. "The thing I like most about the win was that I accounted for most of the points myself."

            According to Williamson, Costanzo plays his best with a positive and confident mindset. The coach that mental approach allows him to play aggressively and mentally outplay his opponent.

            Costanzo has learned to contain his temper during a match. He said some observers have compared him to John McEnroe in that respect.  "I have to give myself verbal encouragement," Costanzo said.

            On Friday, Costanzo and Dockery will represent their school at the Pioneer Athletic Conference Singles Tournament.

            Costanzo described Dockery as the team's top player.

"I have a lot of respect for Adam," Costanzo said. "He's a great player. He has a very good forehand and his serve is phenomenal.