Published April 13th, 2011
Lamorinda Boys' Tennis Fights the Rain
Miramonte Defeats Acalanes in Rivalry Match
By Marissa Harnett
Senior Andrew Pises (Miramonte) was last season's NCS singles champion.
There was no evidence on this 70 degree cloudless day of the dramatic rains that washed out many of the boys' early season tennis matches. This day, March 29, begged for the release of pent-up quality tennis. The boys from Miramonte and Acalanes did not disappoint. Although Miramonte's at-home win with a final score of 9-0 might not suggest it, parents and fans were treated to more than two hours of strong, solid, strategic play from both teams.
The #1 singles matchup pitted last season's NCS singles champion and East Bay player of the year, Miramonte senior, Andrew Pises, against up-and-coming Acalanes freshman, Dan Cardiff. Pises took an early lead by breaking Cardiff's serve in the first game. The match continued with Pises dominating; drilling deep topspin shots in the corners. Cardiff would prove not to be intimidated as he commanded some excellent corner winners himself. He snagged two games in the first set and hit a stride in the second set to own four games (6-2, 6-4). It was an impressive showing by both Pises and Cardiff - classy, skilled competitors. Miramonte head coach Mike McCollom noted, "[Cardiff is] one to watch" in the coming years.
Miramonte sophomore, Luke Bohuslov, had an easier time against Acalanes' Alex Schperberg winning 6-1, 6-0 than did his teammate, senior Brian Tan, who split sets against junior Asher Lichtig taking them to a third set tie breaker. Tan, who lost the first set 3-6, shifted the momentum into his favor and took the second set 6-1 and, ultimately, the match by winning the tie breaker 10-5.
All three Lamorinda teams are having successful seasons as each team looks to achieve something different. Miramonte has an overall record of 9-2 and is undefeated in DFAL play, 6-0.
McCollom stated, "Our main goal is to win the DFAL and move forward to the NCS team championships. Campo is of course our main focus and the top challenge for us in DFAL."
Campo is having an equally successful season with an overall record of 9-1 and 5-0 in league play. Campo head coach Petro Petreas said, "Our league always comes down to us and Miramonte. Last year, we split the two matches, but we won the tie-breaker due to winning more sets in those two 5-4 matches."
Acalanes' record stands at 2-4 overall and 3-6 in DFAL. Head coach Brad Rieser really emphasizes "perspective and fun (since) high school tennis should be about having fun and being on a team and simply maintaining perspective and not putting too much pressure on themselves to WIN. Of course, they are not satisfied with losing, but they definitely have a winning attitude about learning how to improve and compete and giving their all 100% of the time -- that to me is a winning team!"
The consistent rainfall of the past several weeks has frustrated coaches and players alike. Matches and rematches have been rained out resulting in a shuffling of the schedule and cancelled matches. The main Lamorinda rivalry - Miramonte vs. Campo - has been rained out twice. Barring more rain they will finally compete on April 14 (at Campo) and April 25 (at Miramonte).

Other match results:
#1 Doubles - Chad Boersma /Andrew Tan (M) vs. Alex Mogensen and Greg Hanson (A): 6-0, 6-1
#2 Doubles - Casey Nichol/Drew Jones (M) vs. Michael Lin/Chris Wool (A): 6-4, 6-3
#4 Singles - Michael Krakaris (M) vs. Karim Masurwen (A): 6-2, 6-1
#5 Singles - Trevor Rechnitz (M) vs. AJ Gosling (A): 6-0, 6-0
#6 Singles - Logan Boersma (M) vs. J. Evangelista (A): 6-2, 6-2.
Freshman Dan Cardiff (Acalanes) has been noted as a up-and-comer. Photos Doug Kohen
Senior Nolan Richards (Campolindo) Photo Doug Kohen


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