ITHACA, N.Y. – In a season-defining showdown, the Ithaca Little Red boys' tennis team captured the 2026 Southern Tier Athletic Conference (STAC) title with a commanding 6-1 victory over previously undefeated Oneonta. The win not only ended Oneonta's perfect run but also solidified Ithaca's place atop the conference standings, surpassing divisional powerhouses like Chenango Forks.
With a dominant 12-1 match record, the Little Red now set their sights on the sectional tournament, traveling to Corning on May 14. This squad has built a reputation for delivering under pressure, and their conference title performance only adds to their growing legacy.
Here's a breakdown of the championship action:
Ithaca 6, Chenango Forks 1
The Little Red swept through singles play with impressive precision. Henry Bopp set the tone at first singles, defeating Calvin Nichols 6-1, 6-2. Jonah Jacobstein followed with a flawless 6-0, 6-0 win over Justin Samson at second singles, while Orion Patie matched that dominance at third singles with another 6-0, 6-0 victory. Gustavo Luke Flores rounded out the singles sweep with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Henry Hubbard at fourth singles.
In doubles, the momentum continued. Simon Crane and Takuo Kawate took first doubles 6-3, 6-1, while Luke Hwang and Aaron Martinez battled to a 6-2, 6-4 win at second doubles. Ian Moore and Dhilan Sethupathy closed out the match with a 6-1, 6-1 victory at third doubles.
Oneonta 4, Union-Endicott 3
Meanwhile, in a separate matchup that had implications for the overall standings, Oneonta managed to edge out Union-Endicott. The Yellowjackets' depth in doubles proved crucial, as they swept all three doubles matches. At first doubles, Miles Gelbsman and Niko Iannelli won 6-3, 6-3, while Jordan Fronckowiak and Ibraheem Khan took second doubles 6-3, 6-0. Brighton Logue and Charles Fluck completed the sweep with a 7-5, 6-1 victory at third doubles.
In singles play, Union-Endicott's Jacob Conti defeated Derek Fronckowiak 6-4, 6-1 at first singles, but Oneonta's Ethan Temming answered with a hard-fought 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 win at second singles. The teams split the remaining singles matches, with Union-Endicott taking third and fourth singles in three-set thrillers.
As the postseason approaches, Ithaca's balanced attack and unyielding confidence make them a team to watch. With the STAC title in hand, the Little Red are ready to make their mark on the sectional stage.