The Oak Park High School boys tennis team defeated Camarillo 12-6 on Friday, extending their league winning streak to more than four years.
Oak Park entered the match with preparation from a difficult early schedule, having faced tough competition before league play began.
“We were able to see how our team stacks up against some of the best in the country and figure out what we need to improve,” senior captain Angus Rein said.
As the game began and progressed, the Eagles maintained energy across every court. Players not competing stayed active on the sidelines, keeping the team focused throughout.
“I make sure that the players who aren’t playing out there are supporting each court, because any one of them could be a deciding match,” Rein said.
Doubles proved to be that decisive factor. With Camarillo’s singles lineup posing a stiffer challenge, Oak Park targeted doubles as the place to build their margin.
“Camarillo’s singles is significantly stronger than their doubles, so it was important that doubles didn’t let off the gas,” Rein said. “The game plan was to make serves and returns, get into the point, and not try anything crazy.”
At points when momentum shifted, the team responded by slowing their pace rather than forcing plays.
“If momentum starts to shift, it’s important not to lose focus on the current point or dwell on the previous one,” Rein said. “Taking longer breaks during changeovers can help change the tempo of the match.”
Oak Park held that steadiness through the final games, closing out the win. Part of what has kept the team cohesive through the season, senior Rohin Ganguli says, is what they’ve built off the court.
“As time went on, I started realizing that this team is truly a family,” Ganguli said. “Everyone is smart, involved and has a huge fighting spirit. Every year we lose amazing players, but we’re still held to a standard that we fight for.”
Ganguli also credited the team’s coaching for keeping the team sharp throughout the season.
“Our coach constantly drills us and makes us a better team, making sure we get every aspect of high school tennis,” Ganguli said.
With the win secured, the team sets its sights on a postseason run.
“Our goal is to shape our team into the best that it’s capable of being and have a significant shot at winning CIF,” Rein said.
