Cate has found new life in the CIF playoffs.
After finishing second in the Condor League, the Rams have advanced to the quarterfinals in the CIF Division 4 tennis playoffs. They defeated No. 7-ranked Segerstrom of Santa Ana 15-3 in a second-round match on Friday.
“It’s the most complete and competitive match of the season,” coach Bob Bonning said.
The Rams jumped out to a 5-1 lead at the end of the first round of play and closed out the remaining two rounds with identical 5-1 scores.
Alex Erling set the tone with a gritty win (6-4) over the Jaguars’ No. 1 singles player and then went on to earn 6-3, 6-1 victories. Jason Xaio also enjoyed another fine afternoon with three wins (6-2, 6-2, 6-0). Jack Hoover, battling wrist tendonitis, also posted a sweep with 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 wins.
In doubles, Abhay Singh-Michael Revord recorded 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 wins. Parker Gribb-Thys Northup dropped a set to the Jaguars’ No. 3 team, but posted two wins (6-4, 6-3). Brendan Lokre with Michael Nettesheim played three very close sets 4-6, 6-4, 6-7 (4) to earn a point on the afternoon.
Cate (10-8) is making its 10th consecutive appearance as a quarterfinalist in CIF team competition.
