University overwhelms Corona del Mar

CORONA DEL MAR — When the Corona del Mar High boys’ tennis team last played University March 30, the Sea Kings left the Trojans’ court with a loss, but actually gained confidence.

Before Tuesday’s big Pacific Coast League match began, Uni’s top singles player, Reo Isami, suffered a shoulder injury during warm-ups. CdM gathered more belief it could win. But the Trojans just went out and showed the league is still theirs.

Stephan Menichella replaced Isami and recorded a sweep at No. 1 singles to help the Trojans stun the Sea Kings, 15-3.

University (14-0, 8-0 in league), ranked No. 1 in the CIF Southern Section Division I coaches’ poll, is on pace to repeat as PCL champs. The Trojans beat CdM, 11-7, March 30, when the Sea Kings began to believe they were capable of taking down Uni.

CdM (14-2, 5-2), ranked No. 3 in CIF Division I, gathered more momentum after earning a 13-5 at Peninsula April 14, when the Panthers were ranked No. 2 in CIF Division I.

But Uni stopped the Sea Kings on their court.

“We were nervous because last time they played us well, and we knew they would come out hard,” Uni Coach John Kessler said.

Menichella didn’t seem to show any nerves, as he made it look easy in beating Ryan Peyton, 6-3. The Sea Kings were shut out in singles.

CdM’s No. 1 doubles team of Ismean Aboubakare and Pierce Stemler won two out of its three matches. The duo beat Austin Lu and Anthony Su, 6-4.

“We wanted to win the first couple matches and that would get us rolling” Pierce said.

Aboubakare and Stemler also beat Kona Lua and Anthony Nguyen 6-4.

“We were just more focused and tenacious to go out and win,” Aboubakare said. “Today we tried to make our returns and stay active at the net.”

The No. 2 doubles team of Matt Fisher and Karl Fletcher picked up the other win for CdM. Fisher and Fletcher beat Lu and Su, 7-4.

The Sea Kings weren’t the only ones who were stunned with the result.

Kessler said he was shocked that their first round went well. He note Menichella’s victory over Peyton was huge.

CdM coach Brian Ricker said his players must work on finishing their sets.

“Last time we played them tough,” Ricker said. “They’re a great team, a lot of highly talented players.”