On Sunday, sophomore Braden Lynch became the first Lincoln Lion to win the individual state championship title for tennis since 1988, defeating Hendricken’s Luca Testa, 6-3, 6-2.
Both sets were close early on, but Lynch controlled most of the points and really took control in the second set.
“I did feel a bit of pressure just from the stakes of the match but I wasn’t really thinking about that while playing,” said Lynch. “I was more focused on executing my gameplan throughout. I am super happy I was able to bring a championship to Lincoln however.”
Lynch was the second Lion to make the finals recently, after Camden DiChiara made it in both 2023 and 2024. But the last time Lincoln had a player win was in 1988 by Tom Evans. Braden is also only the third sophomore to win in the last 20 seasons.
Lynch’s performance was no surprise for head coach Matt Pavao.
“Along with his ability on the court, Braden puts so much thought and effort into preparing himself for these matches,” Pavao said. “He played four matches in three days and the final was in the 80s, but I never had to worry that he wouldn’t be physically up for the match.”
Lynch came up short last year, losing in the round of 16 to eventual champion Andrew Smith from LaSalle. But he got his revenge this year in the semifinals, beating Smith 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.
