Despite missing a trio of players including its top seed, the Menlo School boys’ tennis team captured its fourth consecutive Nor Cals championship after defeating Monte Vista Christian, then Bellarmine 5-2 on Saturday.
The Knights wrap up an incredible season in which they won the National Invitational state tournament, won the Central Coast Section title and now, NorCals– going 28-0.
“We were short-handed, but they still came through,” Menlo Coach Bill Shine said about three juniors whol had to stay back to take the SAT, a make-up exam scheduled after Palo Alto High had to cancel the original test May 5 when a school-wide alarm forced evacuation of classrooms shortly after students had begun testing.
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“They were phenomenal.”
After the win, the Knights headed back to the area –with the trifecta complete - so some could make prom, others to a freshman overnighter and a few to another tournament.
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Menlo handily defeated Monte Vista Christian of Danville 7-0 before facing Bellarmine. The Knights topped the Bells earlier this season 6-1 with nearly their full team in place.
On Saturday, it was Menlo’s who defeated Trevor James 7-5, 7-5 at the top singles spot. Senior , who is headed to Dartmouth, won 6-4, 6-1 at No. 2. Menlo freshman Victor Pham fell 7-5, 6-3, but sophomore David Ball picked up a 7-5, 6-0 victory at fourth singles.
“I thought David Ball at No. 4 singles had a huge match,” Shine said. “The top singles were on top of their game, then the doubles clinched it for us.”
Menlo juniors and sealed the NorCals victory with a 7-5, 6-4 win. and , a senior, wrapped up a 5-7, 6-1, 6-0 decision at No. 2 doubles and r and won 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.
