Carpinteria tennis takes two close league matches

Despite being short-handed, Carpinteria’s boys tennis team has opened up the year 4-1, and the Warriors are already 2-0 in the Citrus Coast League after winning back-to-back league matches this week against Malibu and Hueneme.

The Warriors headed to Malibu to open up league play, and Carpinteria came from behind to claim the 10-8 team win in the last set.

Junior Max Stone kept his undefeated singles streak alive with another perfect 3-0 performance. 

“He started a bit slow in the first set but really came on strong in the next two,” said Carpinteria coach Charles Bryant. “He was just going for a bit too much and once he regained his focus, he became unstoppable.”

Senior Ryan Souza picked up a win in the second round, which coach Bryant said was a “match-turning win” that was Souza’s “best set of the year.”

The doubles duo of juniors Asher Pampel and Troy Zimmerman teamed up to sweep three straight sets, including a tough final set that they took, 6-4. The second team of freshman Servando Campuzano and junior Nolan Martin followed with their own three-set sweep, giving the Warriors just enough to take the team win.

“I was very happy with how they played together,” Bryant said. “They started to communicate a little and understand each other’s movements. We definitely had to scrape and claw to get this team win.”

Two days later, the Warriors hosted the Hueneme Vikings for another Citrus Coast League matchup, with Carpinteria fighting back from behind once again to take the close win, 10-8.

“We trailed for much of the match but really did a good job of finishing strong,” Bryant said. “I am proud of the boys for believing and pushing each other all the way to the end.”

Bryant said he was especially happy with sophomore Lucas Martin, who bounced back from a lengthy first-set tie break to snag the final point against Hueneme’s second-best singles player.

“Lucas went 2-1 on the day but played with a lot of grit which I love,” Bryant said. “He dug deep to win his two sets.”

Stone won two sets in singles play, executing a quick and focused attack that got him off the courts in a hurry.

Doubles play continues to be a bright spot for the Warriors, with both teams finishing 3-0 for the second match in a row.

“Asher and Troy have a very good chemistry and are good friends. They can pick each other up and motivate each other which helps tremendously,” Bryant said. “Nolan and Servando have been just as successful but are still figuring out each other’s games and how to blend their styles into a more formidable duo. They are making great strides and seem to be improving with each set.”

With the two league wins, Carpinteria is now 4-1 overall, and 2-0 in the Citrus Coast League. The Warriors are scheduled to play Channel Islands and Nordhoff this week, weather permitting.