The Acalanes boys really needed a win today for several reasons.  The last two matches against Campo and Miramonte were tough losses, we wanted to go into post season with a positive vibe, and what better way for our seniors to end their high school league careers.  I try to find some humor in each match, but todays was going pretty straightforward.  But in the words of Ray Romano, sometimes material presents itself.  In our last match of the night, with family and players watching while waiting to kick off the senior party, Carsten Ristow and Nolan Roberts were fighting to win a third set tiebreaker.  In front of the crowd, Ristow was gifted a very short lob while he was literally on top of the net.  Ristow’s intent was to crush an overhead as hard as he possibly could.  From where I was standing outside the fence, I could feel the breeze when he swung.  The bad news is Carsten completely whiffed the put away.  The good news, however, is he got a second chance after the ball bounced behind him.  He stepped back and took a short second swing and hit a winner.  Half the crowd was applauding, the other half laughing.  Two points later, Carsten and Nolan got the win. 

All seniors were in the line up as that is tradition on senior night.  We were missing Danny Goldwyn who fell ill after yesterday’s practice but would have loved it as his fellow seniors all won their matches.  So, let’s get into it.

For a change, #3 Eagens finished first today routing Luzquinos 6-2, 6-0.  There were some nice exchanges between the two but Peyton looked too solid today.  Next off was #4 Shah who won in straight sets giving up only four games.  #1 Sze Ting Chen then put us up 3-0 by taking down a feisty but overmatched Bazulin.  #5 Bora Hoeberechts was next off.  We are still picking off some rust, but he’s starting to look like the Bora from February.  After splitting sets, Bora dominated 10-1 in the deciding super tiebreaker.  #6 Shin was next to finish and made a great comeback attempt.  He lost the first set in a close tiebreaker but took the second set 6-3.  Choi then squeaked out the super tiebreaker 12-10.

#2 senior Owens was the last singles match going.  A free-swinging Mojadidi took the first set 6-2 and was playing amazing tennis.  Nick worked his way into the match in the second set.  It was close and though he was struggling, he played the key points correctly and won the critical games and eventually the second set 7-5.  He then stayed in front in the deciding super tiebreaker until he won 10-6 and secured the overall win for the team.  Acalanes 5, Northgate 1. 

#1 doubles team and seniors Sammy Foster/Kaya Hoeberechts took down Rosti/Leach in straight sets.  This is their first match together this year, but I wasn’t worried about that.  Both are valuable utility players who can toggle between singles and doubles with success.  #2 doubles senior Dylan Rocca and junior Blake Marshall had a tough first set but pulled out the tiebreaker 7-5.  They then went on to a 6-2 routine second set adding to their incredible win count this season.  Last up was another new duo, senior Carsten Ristow and sophomore Nolan Roberts.  This was Nolan’s first match in varsity league and he played great.  Ristow and Roberts fell behind losing the first set 4-6 and trailing 3-4.  With the team and family members cheering, they worked themselves back into the match by winning the second set 6-4.  The tiebreaker was close, but they pulled it out 10-7.  Acalanes 8, Northgate 1.

We quickly shifted to the festivities with food, flowers and speeches by each of the seniors who were given time and freedom to thank their parents, coaches, and teammates who got them where they are today.  It was a really nice night – a very cold night – but nice.  In closing, for those who couldn’t attend, I want to be sure to thank some very valuable contributors to the success of the boy’s tennis program.

1. Assistant Varsity Coach, Peter Brightbill – who is a volunteer.
2. Jill Owens – our wonderful team parent who has been an incredible partner for me.
3. Lori Belhumeur – who coordinated and supplied the senior night with food, drink and flowers.
4. Kristin Cortez – our booster’s parent.  She is typically behind the scenes, but has been a huge support with budget, funding and contributions.
5. Raina Foster – our uniform parent. 
6. Our parents – who have assisted with driving, snacks, drinks and endless support at the matches. 

The DAL singles/doubles tournament will take place on 5/1 and 5/2; however, the start is probably going to be pushed to a later time in the day on Thursday, 5/1.  More to come after the seeding/draw meeting on Tuesday, April 29. 

Final DAL-Foothill Standings: #1 Campolindo 6-0, #2 Miramonte 4-2, #3 Acalanes 2-4, #4 Northgate 0-6.

And finally, thank you to everyone who braved the cold weather and supported us.   Go Dons!  Coach Rick

Results – Acalanes defeated Northgate 8-1

Singles

#1 Sze Ting Chen (A) defeated Dimitri Bazulin (N) 6-2, 6-2

#2 Nick Owens (A) defeated Elias Mojadidi (N) 2-6, 7-5, 10-6

#3 Peyton Eagens (A) defeated Nico Luzquinos (N) 6-2, 6-0

#4 Saaj Shah (A) defeated Vadim Golovin (N) 6-1, 6-3

#5 Bora Hoeberechts (A) defeated Maks Rees (N) 6-3, 4-6, 10-1

Nikko Choi (N) defeated #6 Kyle Shin (A) 7-6 (5), 3-6, 12-10

 

Doubles

#1 Sammy Foster/Kaya Hoeberechts (A) defeated Daniel Rosti/Jory Leach (N) 6-3, 6-4

#2 Dylan Rocca/Blake Marshall (A) defeated Quinn Walsh/Ozan Kavlak (N) 7-6 (5), 6-2

#3 Carsten Ristow/Nolan Roberts (A) defeated Derek Zhang/Guisseppe Cochrane (N) 4-6, 6-4, 10-7