(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski) caption: FINAL APPROACH: Princeton Day School boys’ tennis senior star Neil Karandikar approaches the ball in action this spring. Although Karandikar fell to Ari Smolyar of Solomon Schechter in the state prep B first singles final, the setback didn’t diminish what he achieved in his four years at PDS. The talented Karandikar posted a career mark of 79-3, winning four Mercer County Tournament singles crowns and three Prep B titles.

PDS Boys’ Tennis Fell in Prep B Tourney But Karandikar Left Indelible Memories

Bill Alden

At the beginning of the spring, Rome Campbell knew that his Princeton Day School boys’ tennis team faced an uphill battle in its quest to win a sixth straight state Prep B title.

As the season unfolded, longtime PDS head coach Campbell came to grips with the fact that another state title was likely out of reach.

“We were pretty realistic coming into the Preps,” said Campbell. “Unless first doubles went all the way and we got some help, we weren’t going to win it. We had lost to Rutgers Prep and Pennington during the season so we knew they had a leg up on us. We knew about Solomon Schechter and Montclair Kimberley.”

This year’s form held and the Panthers ended up falling short of the crown, getting dethroned by Montclair Kimberley.

PDS, though, was in play for a title at the competition as senior star Neil Karandikar advanced to the finals at first singles.

While Karandikar ended up failing in his bid for a second straight Prep B first singles crown, losing 6-4, 7-5 to Ari Smolyar of Solomon Schechter, the setback didn’t diminish what he had achieved in his four years at PDS.

“Neil had a great career; he went 79-3 and two of the losses were injury defaults,” said Campbell, noting that Karandikar was bothered down the stretch by an ankle injury.

“He was three-time Prep singles champ and a four-time county singles champ. He is certainly one of the finest players we have had at PDS, right there with guys like Dave Holland and Bo Marshall.”

Karandikar brought more than talent and skill to the PDS squad. “When he started as a freshman, he was quiet and reserved,” recalled Campbell of Karandikar who will be playing college tennis next year.

“His personality developed. He was a very mature guy; everyone respected his game and the character he projected.”

Campbell respected the effort he got at first doubles this spring from seniors Jason Kilbourne and Ellis Ratner.

“They were very competitive even though they didn’t have a winning record,” said Campbell. “They are best friends and they wanted to play doubles together. I got a lot of compliments from opposing coaches. It was good doubles.”

PDS got some good play from junior Max Gebhardt at second singles. “Max went 8-10,” said Campbell. “We felt like he could have won more matches. He did end on a high note, winning a three-setter in the Prep B quarters.”

Campbell feels that PDS can get back on a championship cycle. “The JV team had a winning record and we had a freshmen team,” said Campbell. “There is some talent in the middle school program.”

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