Though Bishop Gorman's boys tennis team lost the 5A state team final to Faith Lutheran 11-5 on Friday, the Gaels remain focused on winning state singles and doubles titles this week. Sophomore Lucas Rago, the No. 1 seed in singles, won the title last year and aims to repeat after his first loss of the season came in the team tournament. Senior Shawn deMilliano and freshman Rumi Figueroa, playing doubles together for the first time, hold the top seed in that event.
Coach Craig Witcher said the program's success in individual events comes from the talent and dedication of its players, noting, 'It just comes down to the individuals, and the time and training they put in.' He added that team titles require depth, saying, 'You have to get 10 points (to win a team title)... These top players can only score three points, so you have to have a lot of depth.' Witcher believes the team's recent loss will motivate the singles and doubles players, who 'were disappointed... but they’re really motivated and want to win a state title.'
DeMilliano said this is his 'last shot' at a goal he's had since freshman year, adding, 'We just need to play our game... If we focus on our strategy, things should go well.' Rago received a first-round bye and will open Wednesday at 11 a.m. against Arbor View’s Cayden Ahmed. Figueroa and deMilliano also have a bye and play at noon Wednesday. Championship matches are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Friday at Faith Lutheran.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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