During the CIF seeding meeting, there were many coaches who believed that Banning was ranked too high,
and at least one league representative that didn't believe that the Pilots belonged in the City Division at all. Certainly
they expected the Pilots to be upset in the 1st round, and for it to be a blowout. The Pilots, however knew that they
belonged, and while they were unable to advance, they proved that they can compete in this division, as the Pilots fell just
2 matches shy, out of the 25 played, of advancing to the quarterfinals. In singles, the Pilots took 5 of the 16 matches,
including a sweep over Hamilton's #4, and an impressive win by Manuel Leon over the Yankees' #1 player. In addition,
the Pilots had great opportunities for 3 more singles wins. Against Hamilton's #2, the Pilots' Walter Camacho jumped out to
a quick 3-0 lead, while Leon & Julian Frausto pushed him to a tie-break, before dropping all 3 of those matches.
In doubles, the Pilots took 5 of the 9 matches including a pair of wins by Isai Chun & JoeAnthony Rodriguez, as well as
Chris Leon & Cristian Talavera over Hamilton's top pair. In addition, once again, the Pilots had very realistic
prospects for 3 more doubles wins, including Kevin Lam & Juan Mijares' match vs. the Yankees' top pair, which ended after
a 4-5 duece point, a tie-break loss by Leon/Talavera & a surprising upset by Hamilton's 3rd pair over Chun/Rodriguez.
The Pilots remain steadfast with their heads held high. While the disappointment of the way the team's season ended certainly
was tough, it did not take away from the amazing success the team enjoyed in bringing home 3 league championships & an
admirable performance in the team's 1st appearance in the City Division. Great job Pilots & good luck to those team
members whose season continues at the CIF singles & doubles championships beginning May 12th.
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