SALINAS – The Gilroy High tennis team had already achieved more
during this season than it had in the previous handful of years –
finishing in second place in the Tri-Country Athletic League –
heading into the TCAL individual tournament Thursday and Friday in
Salinas.
SALINAS – The Gilroy High tennis team had already achieved more during this season than it had in the previous handful of years – finishing in second place in the Tri-Country Athletic League – heading into the TCAL individual tournament Thursday and Friday in Salinas.
Despite not having any members qualify for the Central Coast Section playoffs, for head coach John Langer, the performance his players turned out is difficult to criticize even in the least.
“In (my) four seasons this was by far our best showing at the TCAL individual tournament,” Langer said.
Qualifying for the postseason out of the TCAL is extremely difficult. Only the top singles player and doubles team earn a spot in the playoffs.
The Mustangs No. 1-singles player throughout the season, senior Vinh Vong, who only dropped one league match, found himself one win away from the CCS playoffs. Vong dominated his way to the finals where he met, Farren Casad of Salinas for the right to advance.
Vong gave the league’s top singles player a run for his money but eventually succumb in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2.
“The finals match was a lot closer than the score indicates,” Langer said. “They went to deuce every game in the second set and most games in the first set. Farren just seemed to win those big points. I’m very proud of Vinh. To see where he was 4 years ago to where he is today has been a great thing to watch.”
Oliver Drewry, who spent most of the season as the team’s No. 2-singles player, was paired with No. 4-singles fixture Ryan Azad, as the No. 1-doubles duo in the league tournament.
The tandem easily won its first-round match, outlasted the opponents in the second round, and winning a three-set tiebreaker, before bowing out in the semifinals.
“Oliver and Ryan got to learn how to play doubles on the spot against the toughest competition they could’ve possibly faced,” Langer said. “They learned quick, and I was so impressed with how they stepped up. As seniors, they really ended their careers on a positive note.”
The No. 2-doubles team of Andrew Costa and Kevin Lee recovered from a difficult opening-round loss to storm back and gain a spot in the consolation finals. However, their tournament ended there.
Freshman Victor Vong took on the task as the Mustangs No. 2-singles player, and was eliminated in the first round.
“Victor couldn’t have had a harder first round match,” Langer said. “I think it was a great learning experience for him, seeing the guys he will have to face next season as the probable No. 1. Victor has a lot of potential and all the tools to be a great player.”
