GLENDALE, Ariz. – LC State Men's Tennis fell to Stanton (Calif.) in the semifinal round of the GSAC Men's Tennis Tournament. The Elks edged the Warriors 4-2 in Glendale on Friday.
"We just came up a little short. Stanton has a solid team and held up under pressure just enough to beat us," coach Kai Fong said. "I have asked a lot of the group all season by putting them through a challenging travel schedule. The group responded well each time. For this match, I could have pushed them harder to acclimate to the heat during the days leading up to match day.
"Despite that, they dealt with the heat and outdoor conditions but just came up a few games short," Fong continued. "This group accomplished a lot this season and this loss does not define nor deflate who they are. It is another special group of student-athletes representing Warrior Tennis."
LC State took an early lead with two doubles victories.
Gautam Balakrishnan and
Leonel Gatti had the most dominant win (6-2) in No. 3 doubles, and
Rafael Bonnet de Larbogne and
Nell Rollin teamed up for a 6-3 victory in the second doubles spot.
Bonnet de Larbogne pushed the advantage to 2-0 with a stellar singles performance. The junior made quick work of his opponent in No. 2 singles with a 6-2, 6-0 victory.
Stanton took four singles matches to clinch the match and end the Warriors' postseason appearance.
Pablo Herrera forced three sets in his No. 3 singles match, but ultimately fell 6-1, 6-7, 6-3.
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