Kirsten Sharaf
The Pierce College tennis team lost their fourth consecutive match today with a final score of 8-1 which in turn extended opponent Cypress College’s winning streak to nine games.
Despite the weather being on their side the Brahmas just could not seem to pull it together losing all but one singles match and losing all three doubles matches.
Paul Nguyen (0-6, 1-6) , Jon Lexa (4-6, 3-6) and Tunde Alele (1-6, 1-6) all lost their matches in two sets to Cypress, while freshman Ariel Cohen ( 6-1, 4-6, 7-6) came up just shy in the third set securing another victory for Cypress.
First year student Matias Castro started off strong winning his first set 7-5, but was unable to keep his momentum going and fell short losing 2-6 in the second set and 4-6 in the third.
“I just kept thinking about the next point. It is just one point at a time,” said Castro in regards to extending the match into a third set.
Freshman Logan Feldstein, 18, was the sole member of his team to pull out a win. He beat Cypress’ Samir Haikaf 6-4 in the first set and 7-6 in the second.
“I probably played one of the greatest (matches) I have ever played. I had a cool head today,” said Feldstein. “I broke the guy down and that’s how I won” he added.
Head Coach Rajeev Datt prides himself on teaching his team to understand the mental aspects of the game. “I’m seeing a definite improvement in their ability to stay present mentally,” said Datt.
Regardless of their string of losses, Datt is adamant not to change too much of their physical game and knows that the rest will come as the season progresses.
“I’m pretty happy with what I am seeing. We’re losing matches but there is a steady learning curve going up. Everyone can learn how to hit a ball… at the end of the day unless they can hit it under pressure they don’t really own the shot,” added Datt.
The Brahmas hope to redeem themselves when they face Bakersfield Tuesday at home at 2 p.m.
Matias Castro, of the Pierce College tennis team, is comforted by head coach, Rajeev Datt, after losing in 3 sets to Deondre Moss of Cyprus College. Castro won the first set 7-5 then lost the next 2 sets 2-6, 4-6. (Gerard Walsh / Roundup)
