The Dons traveled to Oakland on Tuesday and took out the Dragons 8-1. This win improves Acalanes overall record to 3-3 and the team is looking ready to start the regular season next week. Because Tyler Toni is still resting his hamstring, the players had to play up again. They performed very well. Five matches were won in straight sets and our only loss in the #5 singles line was decided by a very close 10-8 third-set tiebreaker.
#1 Nick Owens struck the ball cleanly and looked sharp in his decisive win over Chai. Tucker Brewer played #2 and made quick work of his opponent only giving up three games. #3 Zach Snyder, #4 Ace Reeder and #6 Kaya Hoeberechts all had slow starts and then kicked it into gear pulling out their matches in third set breakers. Our team’s depth was also on display as all three doubles teams won in straight sets. The entire 20-person team was present at the match. The team spirit was off the charts and several of the players broke into song while we were packing up to go home. Hmmm – based on what I heard, I can only say they sure are good tennis players!
Our last practice match is tomorrow. It is an away contest against De La Salle. We then start the regular season Tuesday, March 14 at College Park. With rain in the forecast for the next nine days, it’s going to be tough to stay ready, but I’m sure we’ll be fine. Several of our wonderful and dedicated parents were on site at Merritt College to support the team, and I thank them for braving the cold weather and cheering us on.
Results – Acalanes vs. Bishop O’Dowd (8-1)
Singles
#1 Nick Owens (A) defeated Neo Chai (B) 6-1, 6-4
#2 Tucker Brewer (A) defeated Colin Sweenery (B) 6-1, 6-2
#3 Zach Snyder (A) defeated Elias Cross (B) 2-6, 6-1, 10-8
#4 Ace Reeder (A) defeated Kian Jamali (B) 2-6, 6-3, 10-8
Peter Tanaka (B) defeated #5 Saaj Shah (A) 0-6, 6-4, 10-8
#6 Kaya Hoeberechts (A) defeated Henry Hoffman (B) 4-6, 6-4, 10-5
Doubles
#1 Luke Brightbill/Aaron Brown (A) defeated Alex Byrd/Max Hamilton (B) 6-1, 6-4
#2 Riley Bonner/James Cortez (A) defeated Lucas Tanaka/Mateen LeClair (B) 6-2, 6-1
#3 Sammy Foster/Will Lofting (A) defeated Jack Gonzalez/James Hollins (B) 6-2, 7-5
