By: Kayla Mitchell

Public Relations Manager

As the spring tennis season moves forward, the Los Gatos Boys’ Varsity Team is building an impressive record. The team currently holds the second spot in the league’s rankings with an overall 5-2 record against tough opponents. After winning consecutive league matches over the past few weeks and showcasing an impressive performance in the Silicon Valley Classic tournament, the varsity tennis team is becoming a dominant force this season. Senior Oliver Nigen commented, “We hope to build off our performance in the tournament and carry that momentum into CCS.”

To gain experience before important tournaments at the end of the season, the varsity tennis team filled its schedule with non-league matches in addition to its weekly league match schedule. In the third match of the season, Los Gatos dominated Wilcox High School, winning 7-0. The following non-league match against Leigh High School showed the importance of competing against a variety of difficult opponents, as the Wildcats narrowly won the match 4-3. Commenting on their participation in non-league matches this season, Coach Justin Stenger shared, “I like giving the team the opportunity to compete in a low-stakes environment when there is no pressure, and they can play freely. These matches are a good chance for the players to practice what we work on in our practices and have fun together on the court.”

Continuing competition in league matches, the Los Gatos boys easily defeated league rivals Santa Clara High School and Milpitas High School with scores of 7-0 in both matches. While the Wildcats are an exceptional team this year, the DeAnza league holds some of the area’s highest level tennis teams. Los Gatos suffered its first loss of the season against Palo Alto High School. The LG boys fought hard throughout the lineup, but in the end, narrowly lost the match 3-4. Mountain View High School also proved a difficult opponent this year, defeating the Wildcats 5-2. 

For additional matches this season, Boys’ Varsity competed in the Silicon Valley Classic, an annual non-league tournament. The tournament is a great opportunity for the varsity team to face teams they wouldn’t see in the normal season. In the first round, the LGHS team played Bishop O’ Dowd High School and defeated its new opponent in a swift 7-0 victory. The second round matchup held a tougher opponent, Los Altos High School, but the LG boys beat out the Eagles in a tight 4-3 match. The semifinal matchup between Los Gatos and St. Ignatius High School posed another challenging battle for the Wildcats, but again the varsity team pulled out an exciting 4-3 win. In the final of the tournament, Harker proved to be a formidable opponent, defeating LG with a final score of 4-3.

Placing second in the Silicon Valley Classic and earning a non-official record of 8-3 overall, the Los Gatos boys are soaring towards achieving their goals this season. After a brief rest during spring break, the varsity team is back in action and ready to continue competing. 

(Source: High School On Si)