Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now
Four starters graduated. The reigning Orange County player of the year isn’t playing. And injuries and scheduling conflicts have further depleted the lineup.
Yet, when the semifinals began Saturday in the 25th National High School Tennis All-American Boys Team Tournament in the South Bay, University was again in the mix.
The Trojans showed their resolve to join Menlo, Harvard-Westlake and Peninsula in the semifinals but fell short of reaching a 12th final.
University lost to eventual champion Menlo 5-1 in the semifinals at Mira Costa and to host Peninsula 3-3 on games (67-45) in the third-place match.
Peninsula swept University in singles while the Trojans swept in doubles.
“I’m super happy we are in this position given our team this year,” said veteran University coach John Kessler, whose 11 appearances in the tournament final is a record.
University, the two-time defending CIF State champion, defeated Mira Costa 3-3 on games (65-52) in the first round Friday. The Trojans beat San Francisco University 4-2 to reach the semifinals.
University made the run despite playing without reigning O.C. player of the year and Ojai champion Rishvanth Krishna. The junior, who is committed to Rice, isn’t playing high school this season, Kessler said.
University’s record is 6-3 after after Saturday. The Trojans suffered a 13-5 loss to Corona del Mar in late February.
NOTES
Orange County’s players to watch include: University junior JiHyuk Im, JSerra junior Michael Geffre, Corona del Mar senior Ivan Pflueger, Woodbridge senior Brady Tallakson, Beckman senior Rohan Grewal, Mater Dei junior Matteo Huarte and Portola sophomore Garran McKay. …
Tallakson, a Boise State commit, is 15-0. His resume includes a 6-2 win against the 6-foot-7 Pflueger, who is committed to UC San Diego. …
Huarte, the Ojai runner-up last season, has committed to USC.