MILL CREEK — The Jackson High School boys tennis team dropped its last match of the season 4-3 to Shorewood High School Oct. 14.
The loss cost the Timberwolves sole possession of first place in the Western Conference South Division.
Jackson, Edmonds-Woodway and Shorewood finished in a three-way tie for first place with 14-2 records.
Mike Reading, Alex Yee and Nick Reed all won their singles matches in straight sets. Jackson then lost all of its doubles games and Phil Kim unexpectedly lost his singles match.
“The Shorewood match was terrible,” Kim said. “It did not go as I planned it to go.”
Yee was expecting a team victory and was upset with the outcome against Shorewood as well.
“We really wanted to get first this year,” Yee said.
“(The team) was very disappointed,” coach David Hutt said. “It was very quiet after the match.”
Even with a disappointing ending, Jackson still had a winning season and ended up being co-champions for the second straight year.
“They’re still happy that they tied for first two years in a row,” Hutt said.
Senior Andrew Branson was proud of the team, even after the loss to Shorewood.
“I think we had a very successful season, because we practiced and fought hard,” Branson said.
Hutt was pleased with his team’s overall play.
“It was an excellent season for all the players,” Hutt said.
With the season over, the team’s focus has shifted from the league title to competing well in the postseason.
“Right now the focus is on our six players in the playoffs,” said Hutt. “Those players need to get ready for (the) playoffs.”
“It’s 0-0, our records don’t matter,” Kim said. “It’s time to start fresh.”
The players not moving on to the postseason are still focused on tennis, but they are looking toward next year.
“All of the younger players are doing goal sheets for next year,” Hutt said. “(Next season) is another focus now.”
Up next for the Wolfpack is the district tournament. The Timberwolves are planning to go all the way.
“I just want to make it to state,” Yee said.
The Timberwolves believe that they have a good chance to succeed in the postseason.
“I’m confident we will do good because we have desire,” Kim said. “It’s all about desire.”
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