Fink dug deep, played his best tennis of the day, and the senior repeated as district champion, beating Lin 6-2 6-4 at the Central PA Tennis Center on Wednesday.

“Honestly, I really tried to stay calm. I feel like that helps a lot. Normally in matches, I feel like your composure really just shows how you can play. And I knew I had to get the next game because I couldn’t go down 0-4,” Fink said.

It was quite the contrast in not just ages, but styles, in the finals match. Lin was the aggressor on essentially every point in the match, using a big left-handed forehand and crafty approach shots to come to the net and put pressure on Fink. Meanwhile, Fink used fantastic movement, consistency, and great lobs from both wings to win points that Lin had controlled from nearly start-to-finish. And, given that Lin’s semifinal match,a three-set win over Danville’s David Sommer, took over two hours to complete, he knew he had the fitness edge as the match continued on.

Fink had controlled the first set, but was a bit stunned when Lin won the first three games of the second set. He rebounded nicely, however, easily winning the game at 0-3 and then winning a crucial, marathon game at 1-3 to get back in the match.

Ryder Fink of Jersey Shore returns a volley by Bayley Poll of Towanda during their semi-final match in South Williamsport Wednesday afternoon. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Fink tied the match up at 3-3, which led to the most important game of the match. With Lin serving, players traded blows in a marathon game, with Lin narrowly missing shots that would’ve given him a 4-3 lead. Fink was able to outlast Lin in the game to go up 4-3. And, a few games later, after fending off three break points while serving for the match at 5-4, Fink clinched his second straight title.

“I’d probably say (this title) was more special. I feel like I put in so much work and really sacrificed a lot, and it just shows everyone around me who supported me how much work I’ve put in,” Fink said.

For Jersey Shore coach Seth Hensler, it was more of the same from his top player.

“He has a knack for canceling out other people’s good shots. They hit what they think is a winner. And somehow he slides over and gets it. And he does. He plays exactly the same game, whether he’s down 0-3 or up 3-0,” Hensler said.

Fink will be District 4’s lone representative in the state tournament. He defeated Towanda’s Bayley Poll in Wednesday’s semifinals, 6-1 6-0, winning the final twelve games of the match.

Ryder Fink of Jersey Shore returns a volley by Bayley Poll of Towanda during their semifinal match in South Williamsport Wednesday afternoon. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

While the Lancer freshman Lin fell short of his ultimate goal, it was an impressive showing. He outlasted talented sophomore David Sommer after dropping the second set to force a third set, which he won convincingly, 6-1. Lin dictated much of the action in the finals, only to not finish points off at the net and a lack of patience that comes with seasoning.

“I lack one thing, which is patience. I’m young, I’m a freshman, my mind not fully mature, so I have a hard time with, if I get an easy shot, a put-away shot, I’ll go for a big one, and to make it look like an A+ shot, all you need is b+ shot to get past,” Lin said.

Not only did Lin show off his excellent, aggressive game, but he showed off his toughness too. Lin was cramping much of the second set but continued to play quality tennis until the end.

My leg started cramping and everything. I was falling down, so I couldn’t come in as fast, but I just kept trying to go to the net, finish the point. If it didn’t go in, next point, it doesn’t matter. Always the next point.”

Elijah Lin of Loyalsock serves to David Sommer of Danville during their semifinal match in South Williamsport Wednesday afternoon. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Elijah Lin of Loyalsock returns a volley by David Sommer of Danville during their semifinal match in South Williamsport Wednesday afternoon. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Elijah Lin of Loyalsock returns a volley by David Sommer of Danville during their semifinal match in South Williamsport Wednesday afternoon. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette