Because the 2022 tournament was canceled due to rain, it seemed like the team waited a very long time to return to Fresno and compete in the California Boys Tennis Classic.  It was well worth the wait as the varsity boys team took care of business on day two.  Because we lost both matches on Friday, we moved from Group 1 to Group 3 to compete on day two.  The teams we lost to on Friday came in 3^rd (Clovis East) and 4^th (Head-Royce) place.  Palisades won the Division 1 title and Cosumnes came in 2^nd.  Day two had rain in and out of the forecast, but we were able to finish both matches before the rain actually came (which literally started as we pulled out of the parking lot to head home).

On day two, the first match was against a tough San Luis Obispo.  Three of the matches were decided by a third set tiebreaker.  We were without Tyler Toni, so the players had to compete in higher spots.  #1 Nick Owens dominated his opponent with great serving and consistency.  Owens simply outplayed him.  #3 Ace Reeder was tested but came up big on the critical points and edged his opponent 7-6, 7-5.  #3 Sammy Foster and Will Lofting split sets and then pulled away in the deciding tiebreaker 10-2.  Both boys played extremely well and hit a lot of winners.  At this point, Acalanes was up 3-2 and the last and deciding match was still in progress.  #2 doubles partners Luke Brightbill and James Cortez were in a battle which ran past the two-hour mark.  With both teams lined up along the fence, Brightbill and Cortez pulled off an amazing and gritty win 7-6, 6-7, 11-9.  With that win, Acalanes won the match 4-2.  Very exciting stuff – you had to be there!

The second match was against Turlock.  Though Turlock didn’t have the caliber of players we saw in the first three rounds, we still had to show up and play hard to get the win.  #3 Aaron Brown had the toughest match but outlasted his stubborn opponent 6-3, 6-7, 10-6.  All the other singles and doubles lines won their matches in dominating straight sets for a 6-0 victory.  Because we won both matches on day two, we won the Group 3 flight and the coaches and players received a medal for that accomplishment.

Both coaches were extremely proud of the team as we were navigating and strategizing around player injuries, stiff competition and trying to get all twelve players into the matches.  We left Fresno with an overall 2-2 record and our heads held high.  On behalf of the team, I want to again thank Suzie Lofting, Dawn Brightbill and the Toni’s for making this trip possible.  There were zero issues with hotel accommodations, food, rides, chaperoning, permission slips and funding the trip.  The boys had a great time!  Below are the scores and some more photos.

Acalanes vs. San Luis Obispo (4-2)

Acalanes vs. Turlock (6-0)