Cate Tennis Shocks Camarillo with Stellar Performance

March 27, 2024

Dramatic Comebacks Propel Cate to Victory 11 to 7

Ethan showcases a powerful backhand return against his opponent’s serve. Photo captured by Coach Peterson.

Kakeru exhibits grace and power in mid-air as he unleashes a dynamic serve over the net. Photo by Coach Peterson

Excitement filled the courts as the Cate boys tennis team secured a remarkable 11-7 win at home against the formidable Camarillo High School, which boasted an impressive 10-1 record. Despite the odds, Cate showcased their prowess, improving to 3-2 with their third consecutive win while also fielding a full lineup for the first time this season.

Every round of singles and doubles was a nail-biting affair, with the outcome hanging in the balance until the very end. In an intense battle at number one doubles, Harry Su ’25/Nate Newlove ’25, displayed resilience, bouncing back after a tough first-set loss to secure two wins, including a dramatic 7-6 tiebreaker victory against Camarillo’s top pair. Graham Clinger ’26/Elias Lieser ’26 fought valiantly, with James He stepping in admirably to clinch crucial victories after dropping the first set. Alex Gallegos ’26/Kaden Greene ’27 showcased their skill despite a challenging 1-2 record.

The singles matches were equally intense, with Cate claiming six out of nine points in closely contested sets. Ethan Bloom ’24 had an exceptional performance despite battling a cold, which saw him triumph over Camarillo’s top and third-ranked players. Kakeru Hirofuji ’27 emerged as a hero of the day, bouncing back from a tough tiebreaker loss to secure a stunning win against Camarillo’s number one, ultimately clinching victory for Cate with a decisive win in his final set. Felipe Blanco ’24 showcased his resilience, delivering a stellar performance with two wins, including a remarkable comeback victory against Camarillo’s number one.