Boys Tennis stays on a hot streak
May 20, 2014
The Diamond Bar boys tennis played against Chadwick School in the first round of CIF to earn a chance to get closer to being CIF champions. The Brahmas had total control of the game, achieving four bagels and winning the game 15-3 last week. This week, they participated in the quarter finals.
“I was missing singles players, so I did not think we were going to be as successful. I was not as confident in singles, but as it turns out, the guys stepped up and we won seven out of nine sets,” coach Dave Hamel said.
Although the team was missing one of its top players, freshman Allen Chen, the Brahmas did not let that affect the way they were going to play. They continued to show their dominance in the court. Freshman Neil Tengbumroong was also absent but since the game started later than anticipated, he was able to return in time.
No.1 singles sophomore player Garrett Masuda beat his opponent in the first two sets of his matches, winning 6-0 and 6-1. During the third set, Masuda, unfortunately, lost his momentum and lost the set. With their confidence they built up throughout the season and motivation they have for winning CIF, the No. 1 doubles duo of seniors co-captains Minsong Hsu and Kenny Sakata won both of their matches 6-3. Senior James Phan substituted for Hsu during the second match and helped the Brahmas win another one of their sets. After this round, the Brahmas were leading 5-1.
No. 2 singles senior Andy Hsu overwhelmed his opponent during the first set, winning 6-1. He failed to win the second set in a close match, 6-4. Hamel substituted senior Ritvik Solanki for Hsu and won the set, 6-1. No. 2 doubles team of junior Russell Chen and sophomore David Chee dominated the first two sets of the matches, bageling both of the opponents. Chen and Chee were soon substituted by senior Preston Lee and junior Daniel Chai. However, the duo of Lee and Chai could not win a set. The second match ended with the Brahmas extending their lead 10-2.
In the last round, Tengbumroong won all three of his matches, giving the doubles confidence and motivation. No. 3 doubles team of seniors Albert Phone and Michael Phan started and ended their sets great, but ran into some difficulty during the second set. With the score being 6-6, the next point would win. The doubles did not give up and ended up winning the match 7-6.
The Brahmas had a great overall season, deserving the opportunity to participate in the 2014 CIF playoffs.
“We’re just taking it one school at a time,” Hamel said.
