What a difference one year can make.  Last year, the Dons took down Bishop O’Dowd 8-1.  This year, Coach Tom brought a much-improved team to Acalanes and we suffered our first home loss since 2022.  We did not go down without a fight though.  Four matches were decided by a third set super tiebreaker.  It was a nail-biting day, so much so that I forgot to take a few pictures to go along with this article – my bad.

To first focus on some of the positives, #1 Owens got off to a great start winning the first set 6-4 against a very improved Chai.  The second set was a different story.  It went quickly with Chai winning 6-0.  Owens then reestablished the strategy that won him the first set, stayed ahead in the super tiebreaker, and eventually won it 10-6.  #3 Brewer was in a nip and tuck battle in his first set against Liao.  They were evenly matched with many long points, but Brewer pulled it out 7-4 in the first set tiebreaker.  He then cruised 6-2 in the second set.  #4 Foster overcame an untimely and controversial call at a critical time in the first set.  Though he lost that set 6-4, Sammy displayed the determined, fighting spirit that earned him the #4 spot on the team.  He came back and won the match 6-3 and then 10-3 in the super tiebreaker.  #5 Shah played a smart consistent match and made short work of Methlie-Zapien 6-4, 6-0.

#6 Ledezma and #1 doubles team Reeder/Hoeberechts both took their opponents the distance.  Ledezma just missed 11-9 in the super tiebreaker.  Reeder/Hoeberechts came up short 10-5 in theirs.  The team was clearly a little down after the match.  We all knew it was a winnable match, but we also credit Bishop O’Dowd as they played well.  My experience with these boys is that they are good at using these types of losses to reset their focus, work on their games, and come back strong in the next match.  I expect nothing less from them this time.

Next week is a busy week for the team.  We start Monday with a 4:30 home practice match against Lick-Wilmerding.  Tuesday is our first DAL league match against College Park, home at 3:30.  Thursday we are home against Campolindo at 3:30.  On Wednesday, we will be taking team and individual pictures.  Thanks so much to the family members who came out to support us.  It started out as a nice day but got pretty chilly once the sun went down.  Go Dons.  Coach Rick