Tennis set to take on new opponents

By Kevin M. Cabano ’12
THE ROUNDUP

The Brophy varsity tennis squad is back for another season with players both new and old.

Led by head coach Mr. Bill Woods, the team will face some strong opponents this upcoming season. Desert Mountain, Chaparral and Salpointe Catholic are teams Mr. Woods cited as “tough teams” to beat.

Chaparral was the 5A-II champion last season, beating Desert Vista in the final but due to the reorganization of the AIA divisions both schools will be up against Brophy this year. Salpointe defeated Brophy last season in a 5-4 state championship victory.

Despite the challenge of Salpointe, senior Max Oppedahl ’12 said he thinks this season could end in victory for the Broncos.

“If we lose state, it’s an upset,” Oppedahl said.

The team’s No. 1 player, junior Kyle Chalmers ’13, agrees.

He said the team has a “really good shot” at the state title. In addition to Oppedahl and Chalmers, the team is returning players Hudson Blake ’13, Alexander Curtis ’12 and Logan Hall ’14. They will be joined by recent additions Christian Franco ’15 and Zachary Cihlar ’15, who Chalmers said are expected to make the top six players this season.

“Those seven are the top guys right now,” Mr. Woods said.

He also said there are a number of other strong players on the team.

“We’re very deep,” Mr. Woods said. “We’re probably the deepest team in the state.”

Oppedahl said the freshman are “really, really good,” and even play better than last year’s seniors which  included Garrett Nebeker ’11, Alexander Ozkan ’11 and Connor McQueen ’11.

Brophy’s first match of the season was at home at Phoenix Tennis Center against Chaparral Tuesday, Feb. 28.

The Broncos will also compete in the Corona Del Mar national tournament on March 16 and 17.