PREP TENNIS ROUNDUP : Sunny Hills’ Depth Key to Victory

No. 1-ranked Sunny Hills again showed its depth in boys’ tennis by routing Fullerton, 17-1, at Fullerton High on Thursday in its last Freeway League match of the season.

“At this point, I’m proud of their desire to win,” Coach Steve White said. “They’re not cocky and they still have the desire to prove (their No. 1 ranking). It’s been a goal since Day 1.”

Senior David Robbins (51-0 in dual matches), who is ranked No. 21 in the boys’ 18-and-under division, led Sunny Hills (18-0, 10-0) in its singles sweep. The Lancers did not drop a game in nine sets of singles play.

“Considering our depth, these matches aren’t as tough as CIF will be,” Robbins said. “I feel like a leader on the team and want to make this team excel in CIF.”

Freshmen Joseph Gilbert (43-2) and Kevin Kim (9-0), playing Nos. 2 and 3, add to Sunny Hills’ depth. Kim, who is recovering from tendinitis in his right shoulder, has played in only three matches.

Fullerton (10-8, 8-2) was without senior Ryan Hartshorn (49-2), who suffered an ankle injury while playing basketball last week. Hartshorn, who swept his singles matches when Fullerton fell, 15-3, to host Sunny Hills in the first meeting this season, is expected to play in league playoffs beginning Monday.

White, in his 23rd season, won his most recent Southern Section Division II title in 1991. “Two years ago, they had to scrap for everything they got,” White said. “With our depth and experience, I’ll be pretty excited to see how well they’ll do in the playoffs.”