News Summary

The Los Gatos High School boys tennis team has made a triumphant return to the Central Coast Section (CCS) tournament. After a nail-biting 4-3 victory over Robert Louis Stevenson School, they secured their place in the CCS for the first time since 2021. Coach Justin Stenger’s strategic final match decision and standout performances from freshmen Luka Fustar and Ryan Shahab led to their qualification. The season concluded with an impressive 11-5 record and individual honors, cementing a promising future for the Wildcats.

Exciting Times for Los Gatos High School Boys Tennis Team!

In a thrilling turnaround, the Los Gatos High School boys tennis team has qualified for the Central Coast Section (CCS) tournament, marking their first entry since back in 2021! This comes after a nail-biting victory over the Robert Louis Stevenson School (RLS) with a final score of 4-3. The match was the last for the Wildcats’ regular season, making it all the more crucial.

A Strategic Decision Pays Off

Coach Justin Stenger took a bold step by scheduling RLS as a final match, a move that now looks like pure genius. Despite some doubts about the team’s potential to snag an at-large berth due to the usual emphasis placed on league champions, the CCS committee surprised everyone by granting the Wildcats an entry into the tournament. The team’s impressive performance in the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League’s El Camino Division played a big part in this unexpected nod of approval.

A Pivotal Moment

The story turned even more compelling with the No. 3 doubles match featuring freshmen Luka Fustar and Ryan Shahab. These two had primarily played junior varsity matches this season but came through when it mattered most, clinching the decisive victory that solidified the team’s place in CCS.

Back to Back Victories!

Alex Fador and junior Oliver Nigen, marking the Wildcats’ first CCS tournament victory since 2019, all over the same team!

Season Recap

As the dust settled, the Wildcats’ season ended with a commendable 11-5 record. While they bowed out against Saratoga High in the next round of the CCS, their earlier triumphs written a captivating chapter in their timeline.

Celebrating Achievements

The season was filled with individual honors as well! Player Michael Hine took home the title at the SCVAL El Camino Division singles tournament, while teammate Ethan Beal snagged third place. Brothers Omri and Yoav Manor likewise made headlines by finishing third in the league doubles tournament.

Future Looks Bright

Looking ahead, Beal, who served as the team’s No. 2 singles player, is poised to step up as the No. 1 singles player next year, setting the stage for even more exciting tennis ahead. Another standout, Hine, not only qualified for the CCS individual singles tournament, reaching the semifinals, but also earned respect for his sportsmanship on and off the court.

Learning and Growth

Hine’s devotion to his team was truly inspiring. Regularly attending practices and stepping up to help elevate team performance showcased his leadership qualities. He even garnered accolades from coaches and parents for his integrity on the court, often making the right calls during tense moments.

Looking Forward

As Hine prepares for college—he’ll be attending USC in the fall with aspirations of pursuing pre-med while playing club tennis—he leaves behind a legacy of exceptional sportsmanship and skill. Coach Stenger recognized him as one of the finest players he has ever coached, mentioning how Hine’s presence has set a promising trajectory for the program for years to come. Los Gatos High School fans certainly should feel excited for what’s next!

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