The UHS Boys’ Varsity  Tennis team won their second preseason game on Feb. 16, against Los Alamitos, with a final score of 15-3. So far, their season’s overall record is 2-0. 

Coming off a win the day prior against Corona Del Mar, a well-known CIF title competitor, the team headed into the match well-prepared. 

“Coach John Kessler gave us a lot of encouragement before and during the match and told us to be confident in our shots and abilities and this really helped me . . . feel fully prepared for the match,” sophomore Cedric Lichtsteiner said. 

According to many of the UHS players, the team’s quick evaluation of their match against Corona Del Mar provided them with the appropriate feedback and training needed to take on Los Alamitos. 

“Coach Kessler told us to start off strong and not let up, especially after a win against such a strong team,” junior SangHyuk Im said. 

While the team’s pre-season success is unsurprising given their impressive history, the season’s start has not been without challenges. There were a few new players who joined the varsity team this year, resulting in a slight adjustment for the returning players. 

“[Sophomores] Cedric Lichtsteiner and Joe Chan had a great match sweeping doubles,” senior Paolo Conta said. “Both players did not play varsity last year and to come onto the team and perform at such a high level is unbelievable.”  

The UHS team includes a mix of upper and underclassmen, allowing for diversity in skill levels. This challenges the team to work together to tighten the gaps and allow each other to learn from one another. 

“This season our goal is to strengthen our teamwork and hone our skills in doubles and singles so we can perform our best at matches,” senior Samuel Wang said. “As always, we’re hoping to continue our tradition of excelling at CIF and hopefully winning it again.” 

The boys’ varsity tennis team is excited to see what the season will bring for them this year.