Just two days after a dramatic come-from-behind win against Life Christian Academy, the East Jefferson tennis team squared off against its toughest test of the season, a home matchup against league-leading Vashon Island on Oct. 9.

While the team fell to Vashon by a final team score of 5-0, Rivals coach Mark Calogero said he was encouraged by the growth of his young roster, largely composed of freshmen and sophomores, as they continue to demonstrate progress and composure with each match. He said the result did not tell the entire story of the matchup, as the level of play was far more competitive than the final scores indicated.

Much of that was on display at first doubles, where Zane Nichols and captain Miles Gali held their own against Vashon’s powerful serves and quick-paced volleys. Calogero said the pair continues to bring intensity to each point, attacking the net and maintaining some of the strongest rallies of the day.

In the second set, Gali was stretched deep into his own backcourt and delivered a topspin forehand lob, clipping the baseline, leaving his opponent stunned in the process. Calogero said it was just another example of Nichol’s and Gali’s creative style, which has become a defining feature of the pair’s doubles play midseason.

At first singles, Henry Takaki was matched up against one of Vashon’s top senior players, who consistently delivered heavy first serves. Calogero said Takaki held his ground well against the tough competition, executing deep and controlled rallies throughout the match. He said Takaki’s experience against a top-tier competitor was invaluable.  

Takaki earned his first singles win earlier in the week at Life Christian Academy, and Calogero said his consistency continues to grow.

Vashon’s depth and experience ultimately proved to be the difference in the match. Yet, Calogero said his team gained far more than they lost in the process: developing confidence, the ability to adapt under pressure and testing themselves against the toughest benchmark in the league.

At second singles, Travis Davis continued his impressive season with a combination of speed and tenacity. Calogero said Davis has shown steady improvement since stepping into the lineup. He pointed to Davis’s three-set battle a week ago, which demonstrated a will to compete for every point.

East Jefferson will look to carry that momentum as the team heads into the final stretch of the regular season.