The senior tennis team was in a familiar position on Thursday afternoon. Once again, they had advanced to the North Shore Finals, but once again, Sentinel stood in their way of claiming the title. Coach Wong's talented squad gave the Spartans all they could handle but eventually fell 6-5 to their local rivals. However, the team is looking strong and peaking at just the right time as usual. The Cavs will be very hard to beat at the upcoming provincial championships. Here is Coach Wong's report:
With the sun shining, and the worst of the rainy conditions in the past, the varsity tennis team has been busy the past few weeks playing catch-up. After completing their season (4-1), and finishing 2nd in league, the Cavs faced Carson Graham (AAA) in the North Shore Semi-Finals. The Cavs capitalized on their depth, winning the best-of-11 match 10-1. The following day, the Cavs faced their neighboring rival, Sentinel, in the North Shore Finals. The team was hoping to avenge their league match loss (7-0) from two weeks ago.
Fitted in their new hoodies, and rearing to play, the Cavs quickly showed that this was going to be a much tighter match than before. The boys team won both of their opening doubles matches: Lachlan & Jack 6-3, and Conor & Rylan 6-1. The girls were pitted against arguably the top girls team in all of BC. Coach Wong was impressed with his girls consistency from the baseline, and ability to adjust on the fly, but both girls teams were not able to overcome the aggressive attack from Sentinel: Amy & Maya 2-6, Neeki & Isabel 1-6. Nima and Dina made their senior debuts at singles; they faced future NCAA talent, and were able to frustrate their opposition with some long rallies and highlight reel gets. Sentinel took both singles matches, 1-6 and 0-6.
In the crossover matches, the Cavs boys' confidence was clear. Lachlan & Jack won 6-1, and Conor & Rylan was 6-1 against a very good A team. Aleem and Grace took on Sentinel's top squad in the mixed doubles, and played some of their best tennis. Despite the 2-6 loss, Coach Wong was elated with the mixed doubles play. Alas, the Cavs were not able to pull off the upset. Amy & Maya won a back-and-forth battle in their crossover 7-6 (7-4) in front of a raucous crowd. Neeki and Isabel lost 1-6, but they showed that they will be a force to reckon over their next matches. While the team was hoping to break Sentinel's epic 14-year North Shore Champion streak, they found satisfaction in their 6-5 loss. Knowing that only AA competition lies ahead of them, the Cavs are ready to push for another AA provincial banner.
The senior tennis team is looking powerful as usual.
Maya Negris and Amy Young celebrate a hard-won point.
Jack Mathisen smashes a return down the line.