Maranatha Boys Tennis Downs Monrovia 13-5 For Season’s First Win

Photo via Wearemaranatha.X.com (formerly Twitter).

Though they lost to a strong San Gabriel team in their season opener, the Mintuemen felt encouraged about their play and ability to compete this season. Having lost to Monrovia in a close match last season, they were looking forward to this year’s rematch.

The first round was tight, with the Wildcats and Minutemen splitting the first four sets. Still on court were the #1 singles and #1 doubles matchups, which were each locked up in close affairs lasting over an hour. Doubles finished first, as #1 Matt Yip/Reggie Park pulled out a narrow 7-5 victory. In a set that lasted nearly an hour and a half, #1 Cherif Sauma, prevailed, 6-4, avenging a loss to his opponent last year. Those wins gave Maranatha a 4-2 lead after the first round.

The Minutemen won the second round, 4-2, as well, which was highlighted by a close 6-4 win by newcomer, #2 Pierre Adrien, in his first high school match. That gave Maranatha an 8-4 lead.

By the middle of the third round, the Wildcats emptied their bench, substituting in their reserves.

Doubles dominated today, winning 8 of 9 sets. Both #1 Matt Yip/Reggie Park and #2 Nate Schumann/Russell Sze swept their sets, 7-5, 6-2, 6-0 and 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 respectively, while #3 Will Klop/Ben Forsyth won two sets, 1-6, 6-3, 6-2. It was Forsyth’s first high school win.

Singles was powered by #1 Cherif Sauma and #2 Pierre Adrien, with 6-4, 6-0, 6-0 and 6-1, 5-7, 6-4 scorelines respectively. These were Adrien’s first high school wins.

Next up for Maranatha (1-1) will be a home match versus the Montebello Oilers on Tuesday.

Maranatha High School, 169 S. St. John Avenue, Pasadena, (626) 817-4000 or visit www.maranathahighschool.org.