The annual post-season JV Freedom Invitational tournament was forced to reschedule from the original date of April 26th due to untimely rain. The new date was the following Saturday, May 3rd. The JV coaches were originally planning on bringing two 8-player squads to compete in the day-long event, however, with this new date, it also meant that not all of the original 16 players were available—AP testing the following week, kids out sick, and other family or volunteer commitments.
Coaches Gary Fiammengo and Lee Ann Gove still managed to cobble together a 9-player squad to represent Acalanes JV boy’s tennis in the 10-team field. They are happy to report that the Dons medaled at 5th place, prevailing over DAL Foothill rivals, Northgate. The Acalanes team was comprised of Grant Cortez, Ilai Elbaz and Can Gundogdu playing singles. The doubles players included Hugo De Torres, Bryson Trimble, Connor McAndrew, Cade Krick, Mateo Picard and Charlie McIlwain. They played a total of five rounds that were each made up of two singles lines and three doubles lines. They prevailed over round 1 (Freedom HS) and round 2 (Granada HS) opponents by scores of 4-1 and 4-1, respectively. They lost to juggernaut and the eventual tournament champions, Mountain House by a score of 1-4 in round 3. This put them into the 4th match of the day vs. cross-town DAL rivals, Campolindo–always a tough match. They dropped that round 4 match by a score of 2-3. They then proceeded to the final match of the day playing for 5th or 6th place vs. Northgate, the last of the medal positions, winning 3-2.
The team missed their teammates who were not able to participate due to the rescheduling conflicts. Coach Gary said, “we managed to keep them in our thoughts and hearts throughout the day.” All in all, the Freedom Invitational was a wonderful capstone to a great season for our student-athletes. The JV coaches thank all the parents who supported the team throughout the season—carpooling to away matches, snacks and cheering them on from the sidelines. “Our kick-off dinner and end-of-season awards party were great events. Thanks to the Mahadevan and Krick families for their generous hospitality in hosting. Sincere thanks to Archith Mahadevan, Team Parent and Kristin Cortez, Tennis Booster Parent for their dedication and attention to details!”
dinner and end-of-season awards party were great events. Thanks to the Mahadevan and Krick families for their generous hospitality in hosting. Sincere thanks to Archith Mahadevan, Team Parent and Kristin Cortez, Tennis Booster Parent for their dedication and attention to details!