Boys’ Bishop Manogue tennis team dominated Hug at home this past Tuesday and came away with a strong 14-4 victory over the Hawks. This win extends their record to 7-1 this season. Manogue’s star singles lineup proved to be the difference: Luca Mariano (Fr.) and Ryan Drake (Sr.) were standout performers, cleanly sweeping all three rounds against their opponents. In doubles, Kyle Perlich and Andrew Kleinbaum led the team at the #1 doubles spot, sweeping the Hawks with dominant force and setting the tone.
While the boys’ victory was a convincing one, not every Miner was able to shine. Senior captain Tommy Aleman dropped his first-round match in a 5-7 nail-biter against Hug number one Aaron Furumoto. Despite the loss, Aleman was able to battle back, completing a 6-0 finish against number two singles player Jorge Delgadillo. Junior Mateo Melendez followed as a substitute to defeat Ricardo Duante in the 3rd round.
The boys, however, weren’t surprised by their win. “It was over before it started,” said Ryan Drake. It’s safe to say that the team had a clear vision in mind when they stepped on the court.
This win adds to what has been a strong campaign for Manogue this season. Manogue boys tennis now boasts a 7-1 record and ranks third in the 4A Northern League, trailing only the Galena Grizzlies and Reno Huskies. Coaches John Matkulak and Randy Tapia should be proud of their boys, as the roster’s depth has proven to be too deep for many.
Despite no doubt being a team effort, Drake and Mariano’s clean sweeps have to be the main highlight of the match. Drake’s 11-3 record and Mariano’s 13-4 record prove they remain key pillars of the team, and their performance this past Tuesday serves as a testament to what is a generational season for the pair. In addition, Perlich and Kleinbaum’s performance at #1 doubles was no surprise to anyone, as they look to keep their momentum moving forward towards the tail end of the season.
Looking ahead, the Miners will look to build on this result as they head into an away match against Spanish Springs, 22nd of September at 3 pm. With a lineup of proven singles talent, a talented doubles rotation, and senior leadership from Tommy Aleman, Manogue appears well positioned to keep pushing for a league title that has eluded them since 2021.
