PILOTS CONTINUE TO MAKE PROGRESS IN PLAYOFFS!

Re-cap of 4/30 Playoff Match vs. University Wildcats

Congratulations to the boys’ tennis team for not only making the playoffs for the 2^nd year in a row, but for making significant progress in another tough match.  In last year’s 1^st round playoff match, the team only managed 3 ½ points to Westchester’s 26.  This time, however, the Pilots were much more competitive, taking 8 points & proving to be much more competitive in the other matches.  Although the final score doesn’t quite show it, the Pilots were well within reach of a victory with 9 ½ points that really could have gone either way in 7 close match losses.

Special recognition goes out to #1 Singles Andres Suarez who fought back from a 3-2 deficit, to win 4 of the next five games vs. Uni’s #3 and take the set.  #2 Doubles Jonathan Melgar & Oliver Arreaga had a solid win vs. Uni’s #3 squad.  Meanwhile, #3 Doubles Rosendo Tolento & Gabriel Hernandez, not only won their match at #3, but nearly pulled off a double upset of Uni’s #1 and #2 doubles.

The clear-cut “Playoff Performer,” however, was #3 Singles Juan Tafolla. Outmatched vs. the Wildcats’ #1 and #2 singles, (who had already defeated Banning’s #1 and #2), Tafolla refused to be outplayed.  Unprecedented in Banning playoff history, Tafolla dominated & frustrated all four of his opponents, striking a powerful blow for the Pilots in an unbelievable sweep.

Congratulations to the team on an excellent season & the progress they continue to make.  Banning High School is proud of you! J  While the team focus is done for the season, the Pilots now turn their attention to the individual playoffs where 7 of the team’s 10 starters look to atone for this latest setback.

BOYS’ VARSITY TENNIS MATCH

L.A. C.I.F. CITY SECTION, INVITAIONAL DIVISION PLAYOFF MATCH

FINAL SCORE