Boys’ tennis: Mater Dei serves up a pair of “firsts”

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It’s been a historic week on the court for Mater Dei. Yes, by now you’ve read about its prowesss on the hardwood, but how about on the hardcourt?

The Monarchs have won their first six matches, including their first victories ever over perennial powers Corona del Mar and Peninsula. The racketeers from Santa Ana have emerged as title contenders and are ranked No. 2 in Orange County with the ‘potential’ arrow pointed straight up.

The Monarchs not only hit the ball with aplomb, they hit the books pretty well too, especially brainiacs like Ryan Agbayani (4.1 GPA) and Villanova-bound Henri Chomeau (4.3). Last season, Agbayani and Omeed Ghassemi won the Trinity League doubles title over Chomeau and Sam Cooper.

Another all-Mater Dei final materialized in singles, where Chris Freeman beat teammate Charlie Alvarado in three sets. Freeman posted a 45-12 record last spring and Alvarado went 44-8. Freshman Rickey Baylon, who partnered with Agbayani to sweep at No. 1 doubles in Wednesday’s 10-8 landmark victory over Peninsula, is a player to watch along with C.J. Chomeau, Henry’s younger brother.

Coach Marian Danse’s squad shared the league title last season and marched to the Division I quarterfinals before being halted by Harvard-Westlake. Knocking off two nemeses back-to-back was a good omen but we’ll learn how good the Monarchs are next Thursday, when they travel to Irvine for a showdown with reigning Division I champion University.

-- Steve Galluzzo

-- Image from www.materdei.org