Reagan tennis had a great showing at the NEISD Invitational, making it to the championship round. On Friday morning the Rattlers started out by taking down Dripping Springs High School 10-3 in the quarters. In the semi-finals, Reagan defeated Alamo Heights High School 10-2, who defeated Clark High School in the quarterfinal round.
In the finals, the Rattlers were engaged in tough matches against Fort Bend Clements High School from Houston, who beat the Rattler’s 10-8 in this invitational last year. First doubles off the courts was José Beltrán/Ernesto Gonzalez giving Reagan the first win of the day.
Left to Right: Ernesto Gonzalez ready position at the net in doubles and mixed doubles team Angela Pozos and Jairo Kirk.
The opponents answered back by winning four lines of doubles, only to be followed by Reagan boys doubles Diego Alvarez/Gavin Fonger and mixed doubles Angela Pozos/Jairo Kirk winning two very hard-fought lines that went to a third set tie-break.
With Reagan down 4 lines to 3 after doubles play, singles play for both teams would be critical to deciding the winner of the invitational. Reagan supporters decked out in Rattler gear were on the edge of their seats, enjoying the high level of play on display by our boys lines 1-3 who started immediately after a short break from doubles play; Jon Totorica, Anish Sehgal, and Diego Alvarez who had won their first sets decisively and very quickly.
After winning in straight sets, Jon Totorica, Diego Alvarez, José Beltrán, and Gavin Fonger gave Reagan four more lines. Italia Valencia toughed it out for another win in a grueling third set tie break, giving Reagan 8 lines to 9!
Left to Right: Diego Alvarez, Gavin Fonger, and Italia Valencia playing singles in the final team match against Clements Highs School.
Finally, after almost 6 hours of match play, Clements High School took first place. The determination that all of our Rattlers showed during match play was incredible and reminds us that
“You are not DEFEATED when you lose. You are defeated when you QUIT.” – Paulo Coelho
We look forward to this invitational again next year!
Next up for Reagan tennis is Marshall High School on September 14 at 4:30pm at Anne Marie Tennis Center and Johnson High School on September 16 at 4:30pm at Blossom Tennis Center. Come out and pump your Rattlers up with your energy and support!!