Something great happened on Wednesday at Delhi High for the first time in over half a decade.
Senior night couldn't have gone better for the co-ed tennis team that was heading into their Southern Athletic League regular season finale against a well-known foe in Ripon Christian. Delhi head coach Felipe Espino knew what was on the line as did the rest of the squad and nothing was going to stand in the way of their goal—a league title.
With the help of the undefeated No. 1 boys’ singles player in Jorge Carrillo, the Delhi Hawks managed to top the Knights of RC after a 7-2 final and won their second SAL title in a seven-year span.
“It feels amazing being able to bring the league title back. Finishing second last year really boosted us and we felt that we could do it,” said Carrillo.
The last time that Delhi won a league title in tennis was back in 2011.
This time, it was done in a different fashion, finishing the year with an SAL record of 11-1. Their only loss was at the hands of Waterford in a 5-4 decision.
“We all pushed and supported each other even when it got tough against Waterford and Orestimba,” said Carrillo.
Carrillo, who had high expectations prior to the start of the season, lived up to it and more, amassing a perfect 12-0 league record in all matches, earning his 12th win in a tough match against RC.
The first set didn't fare well, but Carrillo put any doubt aside and won his match, 3-6, 7-5 and 11-9.
“This match was tough for me. I let emotions take over in the first set, but after that I cooled down and played my game,” said Carrillo. “What's real will prosper.”
The No. 2 boys’ singles amassed a record of 11-1 in league matches. David Reyes held that spot for the first half of league and went 5-1 then Roberto Mendoza closed out the final half of league with a perfect 6-0 record according to coach Espino.