|
By Julia Kotzian
|
|
Apr. 28, 2008 |
|
The boys’ tennis team is the definition of teamwork.
Theirmost recent win against Galileo on April 17 is an impressive example.“Our coach’s serving exercises worked, and everyone made fewer doublefaults and errors overall,” junior singles player Frank Lu said. Topsingles player freshman Alex Zhu won his set 6-2 and 6-0. The Lionswere no match for the well-oiled Cardinal machine and lost, 6-1.
However,the team suffered an unexpected loss against Balboa on April 4. "Theloss reminded us that we still have competition," Lu said. "PersonallyI think we were too cocky, and not realizing that the other teams hadcompetitive players made us be more cocky.” Freshman singles anddoubles player Charlie Wu offered up another reason for the loss: thewindy conditions on the court.
Besides the Balboa miscue, Lowell hasbeen able to crush their other opponents, including a 7-0 win overWallenberg on March 19, a 7-0 against Burton on April 8 and a 4-3 winagainst University on April 14.
Earlier in the season, several players suffered from injuries,including sophomore singles player Dylan Tong, who is still coping witha nagging shoulder injury. The other injured players have recovered andare match-fit. “We are waiting for Tong’s return,” sophomore singlesand doubles player Johnathan Woo said.
Injuries have made buildingteamwork more challenging. But young players have stepped up their gameand the "JV stole the shoes of the varsity," Lu explained.
Wufeels that the team is in good hands to once again triumph in the AAAchampionships. “This year we have a good chance even though Balboa andLincoln have gotten better players,” Wu said.
TheCardinals are not simply standing on their impressive record, but arechallenging themselves to improve their consistency. “The players havebeen able to improve and make their serves more dependable and havebetter ground strokes, volleys, overheads and spin shots,” Woo said.
The boys have an extra incentive this year for working hard. Next yearthey will be competing in a four-to-five day tournament in Hawaii.
Lowell’s next game will be at 3:30 p.m. on April 24 at Lowell against Washington. |
