Wali runs out of steam in singles

But the Green Devil teams with Aaron Ellison to advance to the doubles final.

By SCOTT PURKS
Published April 27, 2007

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS - The long, back-to-back matches played for two days by St. Petersburg's Shaye Wali finally caught up with him in Thursday's Class 4A individual final.

It was the third set, tied at three sets each with Jupiter's Ronnie Hulewicz, when a cramp gripped Wali's right thigh and wouldn't let up.

"I had to change my game at that point," Wali said. "I had to hit it shorter so I wouldn't have to run down as many balls. I won't say that was why I lost, but I will say the cramp didn't help. I can't take anything away from (Hulewicz), though, because he was a great player."

A player who was like a relative backboard: Everything Wali hit came right back at him. In the end, Hulewicz won 6-4, 1-6, 6-3.

Yet after playing three grueling matches the day before and two three-setters in singles Thursday, Wali had to come back for a doubles individual semifinal with partner Aaron Ellison.

Fitting the trend, the match went three sets with the Green Devils grabbing the victory 2-6, 6-0, 6-1.

"I have to give it to (Ellison) today because he played amazing," Wali said. "(Ellison) took control."

Wali and Ellison play in an individual doubles final this morning at 8. A victory will put them in the overall final later in the day against the team No. 1 doubles champion.

"I should be fresh for (today) and hopefully I can contribute something to the team," Wali said. "I'll be ready."

Scott Purks can be reached at purks@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3353.

[Last modified April 26, 2007, 21:53:01]