Story and photo by Doug Petrowski

The Mountlake Terrace High School boys tennis team suffered another loss Monday, 7-0 to Shorewood (10-2), dropping the Hawks record to 2-10 for the year. The defeat stretches the team’s losing streak to ten following victories in their two opening matches in early September.

Despite the squad’s overall record, Coach Alberto Ramirez does see some encouraging signs, including progress in individual play among team members.

“It’s not like we’re stuck in first gear,” Ramirez said. “The guys are improving.”

Ramirez noted the recent play of junior Bryce Pingul and sophomore Brandon Park as examples of the team’s potential. Pingul was given the assignment of the #1 singles match at Monday’s matchup with Shorewood, while Ramirez called Park one of the top prospects on the team.

Overall, Raminez categorized the team as young and inexperienced on the courts. “We’ve got guys who are just in their second year of playing,” Raminez said. He explained that the team members regularly face opponents who have been playing sometimes upwards of ten years.

Even during a season of many more team losses than victories, the squad is staying in good spirits. “Even after a loss, the team comes to practices enthusiastic and ready to go,” said assistant coach Ken Kirsch.

The team has had a grueling schedule of matches this season, often with three match-ups slated within a four-day time frame.  This week continues that pace; after Monday’s match at Shorewood, the Hawks face Meadowdale at home on Wed., Oct. 3, followed by a trip to Marysville-Pilchuck to face the Tomahawks on Thursday, Oct. 4. The regular season concludes with two matches the next week, at home against Glacier Peak on Oct. 8 and at Shorecrest on Oct. 10.