The Varsity Boys’ Tennis Team ran into a very talented #3-seed Branson squad in the quarterfinals of the NCS Team Tournament. The Dons, seeded #6, won two lines but went down in the end. The overall match score was Branson 5, Acalanes 2. Highlights included wins by #1 Tyler Toni and #2 Nick Owens. It was a windy day making tennis conditions very difficult; however, Tyler quickly dismissed his opponent giving up only two games and dominating in all aspects of the match. Nick’s contest was more of a dogfight and Nick fell behind early on losing the first set 3-6. He then took control and closed out the match 6-2, 6-3. Both singles players looked sharp and handled the conditions extremely well.
With this loss, the boys’ season has officially come to an end. This will be the last booster update until the girls’ team kicks off in the fall. I am not coaching the girls’ team so those updates will come from the new head coach once that person is named. I will return for the spring 2023 season to again coach the boys’ team.
As the head coach, I wanted to take this opportunity to make a few closing comments. First, I’d like to again thank the parents, family members, and friends who have supported the team all season. The boys always have fans cheering them on, more food than they can possibly eat, plenty to drink, and a safe ride to all of the matches. Our team of mothers who handled the administrative tasks behind the scenes were Carolyn Martin, Jane Zayid, Kristin Cortez, and Dawn Brightbill. This also includes assistant coach Mike Toni. He has partnered with me all season and played a huge role when it comes to improving the tennis skills of the boys and the success we had all season. Thank you so much to all of you.
Second, we are losing three amazing seniors who will be headed off to college: Tyler Holder, Liam McGlynn, and Matthew Muren. You three will be missed next year and I wish you all the success and happiness you deserve. It was an honor and privilege to coach you guys.
And lastly, for the rest of the team – you guys are hard-working, intelligent, respectful, and entertaining. Keep playing during the off-season and I look forward to seeing you guys when we do this again next year.
Acalanes vs. Branson Match Results:
#1 Tyler Toni (A) defeated Max Goldman (B) 6-2, 6-0
#2 Nick Owens (A) defeated Pete Stovell (B) 3-6, 6-2, 6-3
Tommie Higgins (B) defeated #3 Zach Snyder (A) 6-0, 6-2
Ishwar Jayarama (B) defeated #4 Tucker Brewer (A) 6-3, 6-2
Luke Tuscher/Jeffrey Huana (B) defeated #1 Liam McGlynn/Tyler Holder (A) 6-3, 6-0
Leighton Fraser/Chase Hoeveler (B) defeated #2 Aaron Brown/Matthew Muren (A) 6-0, 6-1
Andrew Peng/James Stovell (B) defeated #3 Sammy Foster/Will Lofting (A) 6-2, 6-3
Signing off for now. Go Dons! Coach Rick O’Brien