Men’s tennis region champs
Aaron Webster
The men’s tennis team capped off an impressive roll through their region by beating Glendale Community College, 9-0.
Mesa finished the season undefeated in their region and 9-2 overall.
Mesa was led all season long by sophomores Kyle Ogren and Shannon Nelson, who not only hustle on the court, but have fun doing it.
“This team has a lot of fun when we are out here,” Ogren said “we play well together.”
Tennis is not for those looking for action and excitement.
But with Ogren and Nelson, tennis comes alive.
These guys are good first of all. Both are a step faster than their opponents. They capitalize on every mistake made. They have a swagger that is not only carried by them but the whole Mesa squad.
“All these guys root for each other to succeed,” Mesa coach Adam Cohen said.
One of the major victories that Mesa had this season was finally beating the Artichokes from Scottsdale Community College.
Scottsdale has been the team to beat the past few seasons and the T-Birds were just as excited to finally conquer the Artichokes as they were to win the region.
“Scottsdale has been a powerhouse ever since I was a player here,” coach Cohen, who played for the T-Birds back in 2005-2006 said, “they are our major rival in the region.”
Mesa defeated Scottsdale twice
this season, 5-4 in both contests.
Coach Cohen also said that the team has been successful this year because of its depth.
“We don’t just have one or two players who carry us,” Cohen said “We have a lot of guys who step up and play well and that’s what has helped us all year.”
“We all have fun as a team,” Ogren said “this team has a good time while we are out here and it shows when we get out there and play.”
The T-Birds look poised heading into the regional tournament, which will be held April 16-17 at Paseo Tennis Club in Glendale, Ariz.
Depending on the results of the regional tournament, Mesa will compete at the national tournament May 12- 18 at Collin County Community College in Plano, Texas.
