In a dominating match, Friday, Feb. 20, vs College of the Desert, the San Diego City men’s tennis team plowed its way to a resounding 9-0 win in its first home court appearance in 2025.
The Knights are now 2-0 in Inland Empire Athletic Conference play and 4-1 overall. The Knights are hot, winning 4-straight matches, and haven’t given up a single game in the last 3 matches.
Head coach Brandon Lupian knows that wins won’t always come so easy. Lupian is in his 19th year as City’s tennis coach and encourages his young squad to stay focused and sharp mentally despite the lack of tough competition early in the season.
“We want to play to win, play at our best ability, regardless of the strength of our opponent,” Lupian said. “We could get sucked into that style very easily. If we are not mentally sharp that’s when it all tends to fall apart.”
Due to its lack of players, Desert forfeited the third doubles match, giving the Knights a commanding 4-0 lead after doubles play. Needing only 5 games to win the match, City was in great shape moving into singles play.
Tennis is a game of matchups, both in doubles play and singles. Within the team, seeding varies day-to-day.
“It’s based on strength against each other,” Lupian said. “A lot of it comes from point play. It varies. One through five could take each other out any given day. We have that depth that makes a dangerous team and a better team.”
Kinesiology student and sophomore Yared Gezahegne benefited from the doubles forfeit and went straight into singles play, winning in a golden set (6-0), one of four City players to do so on the day.
“I was one of the only people to play before the doubles were finished,” Gezahegne said. “I was confident coming into today. I stayed pretty consistent, not many unforced errors, and came out 6-0. I’m happy with the results.”
City would dominate in singles play, winning all five games.
Film student and freshman Alex Paz was inspired to play by his uncle who played tennis in college and gave him the motivation to “have one of the best years of his life.”
“Coach has been great,” Paz said. “He really looks out for everyone. He wants to make sure everyone is performing at their best.”
The San Diego men’s tennis team ends the month with games at El Camino on Feb. 25, at reigning conference champions Mt. San Jacinto, on Feb. 27 and at Irvine Valley on Feb. 28.
