By ARTHUR HSIEH Maranatha and the Olympic League ventured into new territory, as it marked the first time MHS or a team from the league played in the CIF-SS Div. 3 playoffs. After losing in the Div. 4 championship match last year, the Minutemen were moved up to Div. 3 this season, all while losing […]
By ARTHUR HSIEH
Maranatha and the Olympic League ventured into new territory, as it marked the first time MHS or a team from the league played in the CIF-SS Div. 3 playoffs. After losing in the Div. 4 championship match last year, the Minutemen were moved up to Div. 3 this season, all while losing 3 of their best 4 players to graduation.
The first round proved to be pivotal as the Minutemen lost a 2-5 set lead to lose, 5-7, and to go down 2-4 in the match. The second round also ended, 2-4, leaving the match 4-8, with the Minutemen needing to go 5-1 in the final round to tie. Instead, they once again went 2-4, giving Whitney a 12-6 victory.
The Minutemen weren’t without their opportunities, with 6 sets going 4-6 or closer, but with MHS losing all 6 of those sets. The shining star for the team was singles ace, Daniel Guan, who swept his opponents, 6-2, 6-0, 6-0. The other victories came from Billy Sun (6-0), Matthew Leiva/Michael Mathews (6-2), and Billy Tan/Kenny Cho (6-1).
Today also marked the end of the careers of seniors Tony Gao, Ben Smith, and Billy Sun, each 3 year varsity members and key contributors to this year’s team.
Despite the loss, it was a successful season for Maranatha, who finished the season with a 13-3 record, won their 6th straight Olympic League title, won a league record-setting 49th consecutive league match, and finished the season ranked #10 in the Div. 3 poll.
