From AYF Olympics 2012 Special Issue
BOSTON, Mass.—Two 17-year-old tennis stalwarts quickly established their niche with convincing victories, giving notice of a couple dynasties in the making.
Matt Bejian gave Greater Boston some boasting rights by defeating his 16-year-old teammate Armen Festekjian, 6-1, 6-0, in a match that appeared more competitive than the final score indicated. A third place by Garin Habeshian made it a “Nejdeh” medal sweet.
Emma Yeransian of Providence stunned North Andover’s Olivia Barberian, 6-4, 6-1, after a nip-and-tuck battle the first set. For Barberian, that’s two silvers and a bronze over the past three years, giving North Andover its only points. Third place went to Philly’s Lindsey Santerian.
Men’s division
Bejian actually made his debut a year ago, coming into his realm straight from Juniors. He went up against a prodigious player in Providence’s Greg Maloomian and wasn’t expected to pull the upset.
In reality, he trailed the second set 1-5, came back to tie the score at 5-5, before falling, 7-5, in a tie-breaker. And Maloomian was a top-seeded player for Bentley College and had never lost in AYF play, much less given up a set.
“I never took tennis seriously until I was a teenager,” Bejian revealed. “Now, I can’t get it out of my system. Playing high school really helps.”
And what a career this has been at Needham High where he was 45-0 in doubles. Undefeated and pristine! He and his partner were so formidable, they led their school to two straight Division 1 state championships.
Bejian is ranked among the top 50 New England players in his age category and also carries a national rank. He’s expected to move into Number 1 singles this year for Needham. Academically, he’s an honors student and on his school’s Science Team.
“Right now, I have my sights set on giving my school another state title and playing tennis in college,” he says. “I have some goals that require a lot of hard work and commitment.”
Bejian has another goal in mind. He’s a project away from becoming an Eagle Scout and hopes to initiate a tree-planting venture soon in his community. He’s spent the last seven summers at Camp Haiastan so his friendships are many.
To reach the final round, Bejian ousted Hovig Charchaflian (Worcester), 8-2, and Jason Pjojian, 6-2, 6-1.
Armen Festekjian showed definite signs of brilliance against his teammate. He had won three previous matches that day while upending Habeshian easily in the semis, 6-1, 6-0. An all-Boston final at this point appeared more significant than who got the gold. The “Nejdehs” registered nine big points to give themselves a nice cushion.
The 16-year-old Festekjian attends Dexter High in Brookline as a sophomore and plays tennis. He’s ranked fourth in New England for his age group. The fatigue of playing four matches was taking its toll in this final match, but Festekjian’s coming back next year in D.C.
“I’ve seen Armen play in tournaments and have followed his career,” said Bejian. “We hit a lot together. I knew what he was capable of doing as a player and had to be on my toes.”
Women’s division
Yeransian is also no neophyte when it comes to her sport. She plays Number 1 singles at Mansfield High and has been moving around the courts since she was four. Her AYF debut went better than expected against Barberian, a solid hitter from Salem, N.H., now attending University of New Hampshire.
“It was a good experience,” she said. “Seeing everyone come together like this is a rich experience. Olivia was good defensively. She had me worried.”
The champ uncorked a strong forehand and penetrated with her serves. The second set had matters pretty much intact.
She’s ranked in the top 30 of her class as a National Honor Society student, is a French National Honor student, and plays volleyball. Right after her match, back to school she rushed for volleyball practice. Working at a tennis club and taking lessons there certainly helps her game. She also teaches tennis to youngsters in the recreation department.
After high school, Yeransian hopes to attend Boston College as a marketing major.
In earlier matches, the champ toppled Philly’s Karine Keshgegian, 8-0, and Worcester’s Knar Charchaflian, 6-0, 6-0, while Barbarian conquered Providence’s Sara Hintlian, 8-2, and Philly’s Lindsey Santerian, 6-3, 6-2.
Charchaflian went on to play a consolation round. A fourth place put her chapter on the scoreboard for the first time in six years, giving notice of better days to come for the “Arams.”
A work commitment kept defending champion and top seed Stephanie Dolik of Detroit under wraps this year.
In all, 10 men and 11 women took to the nets in what was considered a decent turnout by tourney director Rich Sarajian, who was pretty impressed with the overall caliber of play from both sides.
Tom Vartabedian
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