After finishing the preseason with an overall record of 9-1, the Boys Varsity Tennis team began Rio Hondo League play against Monrovia on March 25. The Rams are looking to duplicate their preseason success on the court against league opponents.
The team cruised to an easy victory against Monrovia, winning 17-1 and falling just short of a perfect match. However, the Rams lost on March 27 against San Marino by a score of 17-1. The team has high hopes of making the C.I.F. playoffs after not qualifying last year.
The Rams had to face many obstacles over the course of the offseason, including hiring a new head coach and rebuilding half of the team. The team has six new varsity players, including two underclassmen. However, this is beneficial for the team because the younger players are gaining experience that will benefit them in future seasons.
“I’m having fun playing tennis and it’s actually not as hard as I expected. Everyone’s actually pretty nice,” Freshman Spencer Chen said. “I like watching my teammates play and seeing how they succeed and play in order to learn from them.”
As a result of the team’s inexperience, many of the returning members had to carry the team and help guide their younger teammates. The team’s goal is to win, regardless of the fact that they are in rebuilding mode.
“Being the number one, you carry the expectation that you’re the best person from your school,” Senior Brent Hong said. “Your whole team is counting on you to boost the team’s reputation. As the number one, I have to perform my best in order for my team to succeed.”
Another challenge that many of the players have faced this season is learning positions that they have never played before. However, mastering these skills will provide the team knowledge key for success in C.I.F.
“I think being able to adapt to each school is what is going to get us to C.I.F. If a school requires that I play doubles in order for our team to win, I would do it,” Hong said. “We have to make sure every player is willing to do whatever they can to win.”
After a successful first season coaching Girls Varsity Tennis, Head Coach Nate Slaymaker has taken on the job of training the boys as well, focusing on team strategies instead of working with the players individually.
“It would be great if everyone could improve individually. As a team, they have the potential of making it to C.I.F.,” Coach Slaymaker said. “I’ve been pleased with how well the Varsity Boys can monitor themselves. Their motivation to improve is always there.