If the boys’ tennis team had difficulties after its first loss against Gunn, the Falcons certainly overcame them in their first CCS match, where they easily defeated Aptos 6-1 on May 2.
“I think Aptos is strong in its own league, but as a CCS team, they’re just all right,” said sophomore Andrew Hsieh. “They have very good top three singles players, but there’s a significant drop-off after that.”
The lack of depth in Aptos’s tennis team showed in their doubles teams. Playing at No. 2 doubles, Hsieh and sophomore Aditya Joshi defeated their opponents 6-1, 6-2 in 45 minutes. No. 1 doubles seniors Emerson Lin and Michael Wu were the only players who struggled, losing 6-4, 6-1.
Although losing to Gunn ended the Falcons’ undefeated record, the loss also has its benefits.
“Losing really told us we’re not invincible, so it makes us focus a little bit more [in CCS],” said Hsieh.
The Falcons’ newfound determination can be seen in their match against Monta Vista, whom they sweeped 7-0 on May 5. No. 3 singles sophomore Michael McGinnis won his match 6-1, 7-6(5) and 10-7 despite fighting an injured back throughout the entire match. No.1 doubles Lin and Wu were the last to finish their intense match, which they won 6-7(5), 7-6(5) and 10-7.
To celebrate their victory, the Falcons have the tradition of eating out whenever they win 7-0. After the victory against Monta Vista, the tennis team will be going to Chipotle.
“Usually, the seniors take the whole team to Chipotle or Mountain Mike’s as a reward [for playing so well],” said senior Sameet Ramakrishnan. “[The prospect of] Mountain Mike’s also serves as motivation for everyone to play [his] best during meets.”
The boys will play Menlo in the semifinals on May 7. Having lost to them in the semifinals of last year’s CCS tournament, the Falcons are working hard to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Recent injuries may hinder the team’s progress.
“Since we have an injured player, [sophomore] Michael McGinnis, I think we just need to go in the match and focus on winning our doubles,” said freshman Michael Chang. “The doubles wins are really crucial.”