Off to a fresh start in its season, the varsity boys tennis team has been enjoying immense success. As last year’s team had no seniors,the team returned all starting members, including CCS doubles champions seniors Spencer Simonides and Anthony Bello.

“The season is looking really good,” junior Braden Holt said. “Everybody has a year of experience … and knows what to expect.”

In the past weekend, the team competed in the Division I bracket at the California High School Tennis Classic, finishing third out of 16 teams. The Eagles began with a match against Viewpoint High School, defeating the opponent handily. Next, the Eagles narrowly beat Brophy College Preparatory, Arizona’s top-ranked team. The Eagles’ next round ended in a loss to Menlo School, which sent the Eagles to a match against Monta Vista High School to determine the third and fourth places.

“[Monta Vista] won leagues last year and we came in second,” Braden said. “They’re our big competition in the league to get to CCS. We beat them 5-2. At the [classic] everyone was tired, but we pulled through and won third place, which meant we got some extra shirts.”

Two years ago, the team received a new coach, Bill Wong. In their first year with Wong, the boys had a successful season, subsequently moving the team up a division.

So far this season, the Eagles have played a scrimmage against Serra High School and matches against Palo Alto High School, Los Gatos High School and Menlo. The Eagles lost in the scrimmage and in the match against Menlo, but won the other matches.

“We’re feeling great,” Braden said “We’re looking forward to a good season and are hoping to win leagues.”

Weather permitting, the Eagles will play Monta Vista tomorrow.