Always a bridesmaid, never the bride. 

That’s how head coach Marvin Gordon describes the past few years for the Barrington High School boys varsity tennis team. Since 2007, the Eagles have made it to the Division I state championship finals six times; in every instance, they have come up just short. 

This year, however, might be the year that changes. 

The Eagles have kicked off the 2019 season with a 4-0 record — Barrington has won 28 straight matches and given up only one set against Wheeler, LaSalle and South Kingstown.

“We’ve got something to prove,” Mr. Gordon said.

On the surface, not much has changed for the tennis club since their last playoff run saw them fall to Bishop Hendricken in the 2018 state tournament finals. Still leading as Barrington’s top singles player is sophomore James Bogdanovic, named a Rhode Island All-State athlete as a freshman. Following close behind is sophomore and fellow All-Stater Eric Zhang, a number one player “on any other team” according to assistant coach Betsy Brenner. Holding on tightly to the number three slot is junior Owen Voigt, reportedly capable of a pro-level, 120-mph serve. 

Part of the Eagles’ early success, however, has come from down the line at their number four spot, filled in by freshman Scott Sapolsky. Consistently winning points for his team, Sapolsky’s skill level adds a depth to the lineup that Mr. Gordon said is not often seen in other teams. 

“With the addition of Scott Sapolsky, our number four position is really solid,” he said. 

Another contributing factor, Mr. Gordon said, has been the growth of seniors Brian Donohue and Connor Kelly. Starting out on the junior varsity, the pair have steadily climbed the ladder over the years, serving today as the team’s number one doubles duo. 

“Here it is, they’re seniors and they’re probably vying for the all state position at doubles at the number one position for our team,” Mr. Gordon said. 

Yet they are consistently challenged, he said, by the Eagles’ second and third doubles teams, made up of junior Lucas Johnson and sophomore Alex Caizzi and juniors Kevin Zhu and Jules Anton (a one-year student from France). 

“When they play each other in practice, one can beat the other; it’s very close,” Mr. Gordon said. 

Despite his team’s high skill level, Mr. Gordon knows it can only get them so far. Chemistry, he said, goes a long way, which team dinners and the leadership stylings of Donohue and Kelly assist with. All of it will inch Barrington closer and closer to the finals stage where, they hope, they will finally be able to shed their second-best skin. 

“That’s what our goal is, and we’re moving right along at a fast clip,” Mr. Gordon said.