cedar rapids

cedar rapidsWhen the Cedar Rapids Kennedy junior tennis standout seized the moment, it became even more special.Galbraith won his first two matches, including an exciting three-set quarterfinal victory over Bettendorf’s Kyle Johnson in the Iowa High School Athletic Association’s Class 2A state singles and doubles tournament at Veterans Memorial Tennis CenterI’m just really happy,” Galbraith said. “This is what I play for.Galbraith made his state debut with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Rex Ju of Cedar Falls. He then faced Johnson, who had been a state finals regular placing second in doubles two years ago and playing on the 2011 championship doubles team with David DeSimone. Johnson owned a 68-2 career singles record in high school before taking on Galbraith. The district runner-up wasn’t intimidated.

“I play all these guys in the summer and other tournaments,” Galbraith said about the tough field. “We’re all pretty cloJohnson’s 6-3 set win was sandwiched between a pair of 6-2 set victories by Galbraith. An early advantage helped Galbraith relax while increasing the pressure on his opponentt was definitely key,” Galbraith said about capturing the opening set. “It’s such a confidence booster.Momentum shifted to Johnson in the second and the Bulldogs’ senior forced a third set. Kennedy Coach Craig Bova admitted he said little to Galbraith during the break, but tried to keep him loose.

Not a whole heck of a lot,” Boca said. “It’s just a matter of refocusing.The fiery Galbraith let his emotion out with an occasional fist pump or briefly yelling encouragement to himself. He said that’s how he is and it cannot be contained. He had plenty to be excited about in the third, rebounding after a 1-0 deficit in the decisive set. He maintained his poise and then took control of the matcHe doesn’t lay down and die,” Bova said. “He doesn’t let one point bother him. He just keeps moving on.”Avoiding falling behind 2-0 late helped Galbraith move on as well. Galbraith fought off a service break early in the third to tie it and spark a 6-1 streak to close out the match and secure a top-four finish. Saving the service break and breaking Johnson’s serve powered him to a win highlighted by a drop-shot winner and an ace in the final point.

cedar rapids