Swinging for perfection at CIF

TENNIS The Brahmas look to continue their untouched record in the postseason.

Ryan Chae, Asst. Sports Editor

Transitioning into a new league has not stopped the Diamond Bar High School boys varsity tennis team from excelling, as the team rides into the CIF playoffs with a dominating record of 10-0.

In the Palomares League, the Brahmas had to compete against opposing teams from Bonita, South Hills, Claremont, Ayala, and Glendora.

“We didn’t know what to expect in this league. We always knew that some schools had the history of being a strong team. When you don’t know what your competition is going to be like, you focus on preparing for the strongest competition,” head coach David Hamel said.

Throughout the season, the Brahmas defeated their opponents by an average of seven points. The team had their largest win of the year in their final league match against Ayala, 17-1.

The Brahmas finished the season with the league title, and had the opportunity to obtain the singles and doubles title at the league finals.

However, the Brahmas could not attain the titles, as sophomore Neil Tengbumroong lost in the singles final, 6-2, 6-1, and the doubles team, comprised of seniors Roger Yang and Daniel Chai, was defeated in the semifinals, 6-2, 6-4.

Yet the team’s year is not over, as the CIF playoffs are right around the corner, and hopes are high for this year’s team after the Brahmas exited the second round in last year’s postseason. Coming off this year’s undefeated season, the Brahmas are looking to perform at an even higher level in the postseason. The team hopes that its winning momentum will carry them far and look to finish its perfect season as CIF champions.

“We want to peak at this time of year. A lot depends on the draw as far as who we face and how difficult it’s going to be. So we just continue to do what we’ve been doing since the beginning of the year: just preparing for the toughest teams,” Hamel said.

As the No.6 seed, the Brahmas defeated Arcadia and Villa Park, 13-5 and 80-72, in the first two rounds. The team moved on to face No.3 seed San Clemente on Monday.