Got to give it up and spotlight Landus Ho for the shot of the tournament. Landus hit a tweener from behind the baseline, up the line, for a winner. Witnesses erupted in excitement. State tournament, consolation bracket finals, tweener winner...come on now - so awesome!!
Congratulations Reid Ravassipour for 3rd place Main Draw Singles!! Reid set his goal at the beginning of the season - beat EJ from Marist. Determination and dedication to progression in his game got him the opportunity. Reid stepped onto the court facing EJ in the Semis of the main draw. Truly fun, exciting, high level tennis - Reid went toe-to-toe with EJ and battled it out, displaying captivating ball striking, footwork, and court coverage. 3rd place, Lets go!!
Congratulations Titus Stark-Seymour and Sriram Dinesh!! Champions - Doubles Consolation!! So many exciting points throughout the tournament. Great hands, great movement, great anticipation and ball striking. Way to dial it in and get there. District Champions in Doubles and State Consolation Champions in Doubles - what a season, great job!!
Congratulations Lucas Peterson and Landus Ho!! 2nd place Consolation Doubles!! Landus and Lucas faced the 2024 State Doubles champions in the first match - but had redemption against Marist, knocking them out in the consolation semis after running through the competition in the consolation bracket facing their teammates in a rematch of the district tournament finals. An all St. Mary's consolation doubles final - taking it the distance to a 3rd set decider!! Great playing - super fun to watch!!
Lucas, "The Rock", played consistent all tournament. Wonderful movement, anticipation, and getting to the net to close out points. Great serving, quick hands at the net, and your backhand is a real weapon - excellent placement, spin, and pace - very difficult for opponents to read with your ability to pull it cross-court or take it down the line.
Congratulations to Luke Oliva, Ben Smith, and Sam Pham!! Stepping onto the bus as freshmen to go to state is a big milestone!! It was a success for you before you even had to step onto the court for the first match.
Ben Smith faced the toughest opponent, the #1 seed and 2024 Singles State Champion first match of his state tournament - that is success to earn a spot in the tournament playing at that level - Congratulations Ben - great job strategizing, staying positive, and giving maximum effort. It felt like you were knocking on the door and figuring out an avenue to chip away at EJs game. Way to battle it out and fight to the end!! Keep going!!
Congratulations Luke Oliva - Semi-finalist in Consolation Singles!! Luke faced the #2 seed and 2024 Singles Runner-up in the first match and the #4 seed in his third match - tough opponents. You played amazing, with an awesome second match win producing incredible tennis. Excellent job adjusting play and switching tactics. Very nice execution creating space, playing offensive, and getting to the net. Hardest one is completed. Great tournament!!
Sam Pham had control of every point in both his matches, keeping his opponents on their heels, scrambling to defend as he was ripping forehands as only Sam "The Disruptor" does. Sam also made friends with the tournament directors, players from other teams, and families/spectators throughout the tournament - building connections and community with whoever he was near - great to see!!