The Pierce College tennis team lost to Irvine Valley College 8-1 on Friday March 29 at Pierce’s tennis courts.
Pierce automatically lost a set in both singles and a doubles match due to the absence of a player, according to Pierce College head coach Rajeev Datt.
Datt did not wish to comment on the reasoning behind that player’s absence.
The Brahmas may have had a lowered moral due to the absence of their teammate, according to Datt.
“The reason we only have five players is private,” said Datt. “But, it’s a learning experience for us right now.”
Although Pierce’s tennis team did lose most of the singles matches, top player Richard Catabona, won both sets of his singles match against Rafael Da Luz, 6-2 and 6-0.
“I’d say he [opponent] is one of the top players in So Cal,” said Catabona. “So, I’m very happy with my overall performance today.”
The Laser’s women tennis team head coach, Amber Vann, was filling in for the men’s tennis team head coach, Ross Duncan, and seemed very pleased with her team’s overall victory.
“I think we did pretty well today,” said Vann. “We traveled pretty far to get here so I think everyone gave it what they had and more.”
Head coach Vann only had positive comments on Pierce’s tennis team.
“They [Pierce College] hung in there and they played well,” said Vann. “Overall they are a pretty solid team and they are very fair.”
Although Pierce lost, head coach Datt was happy for Catabona’s victory and felt that even though the Brahmas are progressing, they should have better attitudes on the tennis court.
“Wins and losses in tennis are basically irrelevant,” said Datt. “Tennis is a tool to teach you how to live your life and if you go through life with your head hanging low, its not going to go well. That is what I’m trying to teach the players.”
In the doubles match, Pierce College lost both games against Irvine Valley College 2-8.
“In doubles we were out-gunned today,” said Catabona.“I didn’t play doubles but the team didn’t have much more spirit because we had already lost the singles games.”
Head coach Datt also had comments on the doubles match.
“My guys have a long way to go before they learn how to play doubles,” said Datt. “They’re still trying to figure out how to work a point in singles. Doubles is a whole different animal.”
The singles and doubles match ended sooner than expected because of the automatic defaults.
The Pierce Tennis team will play their next match against Mt. San Jacinto College on Tuesday April 2 at the Mt. San Jacinto College tennis courts.
