NICO MONETTI | staff writer

The warm air was like a cool breeze as the lone sound of tennis balls pounding the pavement filled the court cages. The Lady Cougars were the first to defend their somewhat home turf in the APU’s first GSAC match against California Baptist at Citrus College.

“We won, I think,” No. 1 singles senior Bay Daniels said.

The spurts of sporadically cheering fans served as an intermission between the intense volleys across the sun-stricken green and red cement as the weary Cougars spun, smash and lob in enduring attempts to win their sets. The men triumphed over CBU with a 6-3 victory including five singles wins while the women powered a 5-4 victory.

As the spectacular final match between No. 5 singles sophomore Ronald Chow and CBU’s Karlis Miljons drew to a close, the Cougars celebrated their victory while marking carpooling arrangements to their post-game celebration destination.

Both men and women teams gleefully caravanned to Chipotle to commemorate their joint victories over steaming tacos and burritos put on their benevolent coach’s tab. After chowing down on his burrito, “Hong Kong Heat” Chow gave his thoughts on the final epic match of the day.

“I’ve been struggling a little because I had to win this match to get my confidence. I gave everything I had today,” Chow said. “I got this guy, I can beat this guy. He came back 5-4, so I’m like, I’ve gotta step my game up man. Six all. Tie breaker and I just gave it everything I had. Finally, I won the game.”

On his way back home, Bohren commented on the season’s first GSAC victories.

“Both matches we could have lost today,” Bohren said. “Both teams really stepped up where it counted and we pulled it through. I’m glad we only play [California Baptist] once this year until regionals. They’re an extremely good team.”

No. 2 men’s tennis player junior Patrick Kur attributed the team’s victories to their starting lineup.

“What’s unique about our team is that we are consistent through out the lineup,” Kur said. “One through six, we have no weak links.”

No. 3 singles freshman Casey Wetzig sat relieved on the sun-stained courts after her nail-bitingly close match, reflecting on the quality of her teammates.

“We have some great players on the team,” Wetzig said. “Cheryl, the other freshman that came in, [is] a great addition to the team; she’s improving so much. It’s just such a positive influence on everyone.”

Women’s No. 2 singles junior Katy Jelsma, suffered a mid-match knee injury forcing her to end her set early.

“I have a stress fracture on the top of my tibia and I just hurt it more,” Jelsma said. “I might sit out the next game but hopefully it’ll be okay.”

Though it is still early in the season, the Cougars look at the path ahead with optimism. APU will be taking on rival Biola today at 2:30 p.m. in La Mirada.
“We can be competitive on both sides,” Bohren said.