The Issaquah Eagles had a challenging tennis match against Issaquah’s top rival, Skyline High School, on Sept. 22. The boys lost with a score of 6-1. Although this may have been a tough defeat, the team carried on through an approximately two-hour match and showed consistent effort, displaying their well-practiced skills. Skyline has a solid team, and they are definitely our rival for a reason. 

Junior and Number 1 singles player Luke Sarausad showed prime examples of powerful serves and overhead slams, surprising and challenging his opponent. Despite narrowly losing the first set, Sarausad’s power remained strong throughout the entire match, lasting longer than his other teammates. He could avidly run corner to corner, returning every ball that was hit with strategic placement, making it a tough and close match. 

No players were injured, and all kept a good attitude throughout the match, supporting their teammates and remaining interested and dedicated. Senior singles player Evan Chang explained that his match did not go too well since he “lost a close first set, and then fell apart in the second,” he explains. He believes his biggest challenge in the match was consistency. It is often very difficult to uphold skills and solid hitting under pressure, or after losing a match, especially when one more set could be the winning factor. 

Coach Niko Hakes reported that his team was not giving up and continuing to work hard. He explained that the team stays motivated by “wanting to win and wanting to improve.” He supported the boys by keeping a strong positive mindset and explaining that he has a really cohesive group this year. He believes the key to success on the team is “working through mistakes and not focusing on them,” and to instead let them go. Hakes believes that even a tough loss can be used as a learning experience and a chance for the team to grow together and advance their skills. 

Although one match was won, Skyline took the victory in six others. Tennis matches are often extremely close, especially when the game outcome depends on only a few sets. The Issaquah Varsity Boys Tennis Team is a strong group that avidly supports each other and continues working and playing competitively even under difficult circumstances. As much as tennis is an individual sport, it takes an entire team effort to completely win. The mindsets of the players are important and the teamwork displayed by the boys will lead them towards victories in the upcoming matches of the season.