Defending CIF champion University boys tennis team off to another fast start

University’s boys tennis team after competing in the National All-American tournament over the weekend. (Photo courtesy University tennis).

University High School’s boys tennis team, which captured the CIF, Southern California regional and state championships last year, is off to a fast start this season, recording a 10-1 record.

University captured its third consecutive CIF Open Division crown last year.

“The Uni boys have another strong team,” said veteran coach John Kessler. “We have seven of nine players returning. The boys are led by our top player, sophomore Rishvanth Kusa, one of the top junior players in the nation. Arystarkh Len and JiHyuk Im, our number two-three singles players are also back.”

Two of the three doubles teams: Cedric Lichtsteiner/Joe Chan and Langston Walter-Wu/Mimo Alajeely return.

“We are also lucky to have a very talented group of boys who will help round out our starting lineup including sophomores Daniel Zhu, Tyler Chandler, Reid Hashimoto and Arjun Appa,” Kessler said.

Last weekend at the National High School All-American Tournament, Uni defeated Seattle Prep 6-0, The Iolani School 4-2 and the Menlo School 4-2 before losing in the final to The Punahou School from Hawaii.

“This is the 11th time the Uni boys have played in the final of this tournament, more than any other school,” Kessler said.

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