Pictured: Ben Forsyth courtesy of MHS

Tennis:

It was the first match in two weeks for the Minutemen, who had both of last week’s matches pushed to this week, due to heat.

The early rust, as well as the swirling canyon winds, were too much to overcome, as they fell behind, 5-1, after the first round, instead of what they believe should have been at least a 3-3 tie heading into the second round.

Their top singles player, Cherif Sauma, and top doubles team, Nate Schumann/Russell Sze, both lost, 6-4, in tough but winnable sets, while No. 3 singles, Zach Amirian, wasn’t able to hold on to a 5-2 lead, losing 7-5, and making a potential comeback all but impossible.

Both Sauma and Schumann/Sze rounded into form in the second round, with 6-0 and 6-2 wins, respectively.

No. 2 singles, Reggie Park, the lone MHS point-getter in the first round (6-2), also prevailed in his second set, 6-4, giving the two teams a 3-3 split in the round, with the overall score now at 8-4.

With the match effectively out of reach, Maranatha subbed in its reserves in the third round.

Schumann/Sze were in full swing, prevailing, 6-0, while No. 3 doubles, Sam Crisman/Ben Forsyth, notched their first win of the day, 6-1, versus the Grizzlies reserves.

With today’s loss, the Minutemen fall to 4-2 overall (1-0 in league).

Tomorrow, they return to league play, as they travel to CSU Dominguez Hills, where the California Academy of Math and Sciences (CAMS) hosts its matches for a 3:15 p.m. start.