Tennis team advances to CIF quarterfinals, loses in tie breaker

By Bill Tamburrino

The Bulldog tennis team enjoyed one of the best seasons in school history. Under the tutelage of coach Doug Failla, the Dawgs finished the season with a 12-3-1 record and advanced to the quarterfinals of the CIF Division II playoffs before being eliminated on a tie breaker.

The Dawgs opened the week at Riviera Oaks Resort and Racquet Club in the opening round of play in the CIF. They easily handled Valhalla 15-3.

No. 1 singles player, Daniel Streeter, played two sets before giving way to Steven Janak. Streeter went 6-0 and 6-1. Janak finished with a 6-2 set.

Adam Mazzola played well from his No.2 singles spot as he won three sets with scores of 6-1, 7-5, and 6-1. Shay Alwan recorded scores of 1-6, 0-6, and 0-6.

The No. 1 doubles team, Christian Failla and Ricky Flores, won three team points with scores of 6-2, 6-1, and 6-0. Nick Peterson and Garrett Wilcox also won three sets with scores of 6-2, 6-3, and 6-1. Chad Martina and Jack Mellecker won three team points with scores of 6-3, 6-3, and 6-0.

The Dawgs were eliminated by Point Loma in the quarterfinals in a match that ended tied at nine. Point Loma won the tie breaker.

“It got down to the final set and we couldn’t quite pull it off,” said Janak.

“We gave it our best,” said Christian Failla.

“I would have liked to have advanced to the semifinals against La Jolla. That is where we were eliminated in my first year as a coach. I was hoping for an upset of them. However, I am very proud of this group of student/athletes. The team worked hard and improved. When we made some changes at the end of league play everybody did what was asked of them and put the needs of the team first. Now it is on to the CIF individual tournament. Those who qualified have their work cut out for themselves,” said coach Failla.