Men’s Tennis: Serving their Best Work

By Tatum McElhattan, Staff Writer

// The Acalanes men's tennis team (5-3 overall, 2-2 league) started their season with a big win in their first game, defeating De La Salle in an away match 9-0 on Feb. 15. 

   The Dons continued their winning streak by beating Heritage High School on Feb. 27, 8-1. Then, they lost to Bishop O’Dowd in a close match on March 7, 5-4, but quickly recovered and won against Lick-Wilmerding 6-3 on March 11. 

   They lost in a challenging game against Campolindo by 8-1 on March 14, and were defeated again in a close match against Miramonte on March 19 with a score of 5-4.

   Despite the season just beginning, the team’s players and coach have quickly bonded. 

   “The chemistry has been really good, the team always bonds immediately with one another. The seniors and freshmen get along really well, they even spend a ton of time together outside of team practices and bonding,” head varsity coach Rick O’Brien said.

   The main challenge the team has experienced so far is the rainy weather, causing many practices and games to be canceled. 

   “The rain has been interrupting our practice and our tournament, which caused us to lose four practice matches,” O’Brien said.

   In addition to working against the rain, newer players have had to step up to fill the gap left by the graduated class.

   “Our biggest struggle so far has been a lack of experience. We lost a lot of seniors from the year before and so a lot of new players have been playing in the lineup for the first time. However, everyone has been getting a lot better and I have confidence in our team to win close matches down the stretch,” team captain and senior Tucker Brewer said.

   Since a large amount of talented seniors from last year left, current seniors have stepped into bigger leadership roles in order to help the team achieve their goals.

   “Last year we lost eight seniors, people with a lot of personality and game and leadership. Because of this, I think the boys miss the seniors from last year. The seniors I have this year are starting to step it up to take leadership positions though,” O’Brien said.

   Last season the men’s tennis team won a league title and they hope to play well in these important competitions this season as well.

   “Our goal is to win the league for a second year in a row. It will be an uphill battle considering we lost more players than other teams in the league but I believe we have the talent to repeat,” Brewer said.