This year the Curtis tennis boys team wasn’t just focused on finishing with a mediocre record and making the playoffs; they wanted more. “There was a sense of urgency from the team  that included five senior starters,that this was or last chance to win a championship and show our true potential,” said Julian Freedland third singles player. The team started off the year 3-0 and then lost their next two games. Lead by the strong group of seniors the team rallied back and won the next four games.  The team finished 8-4 and placed third on the island, their best  record in years.

   “Things just felt right, we were playing well and we knew we would make the playoffs and could make a run to the finals. Having a good record allowed us to have high seed and have home field advantage, which was huge for the team,” said co-captain Julain Azar. Curtis did well enough to earn a bye the first week and earn the third seed in the playoffs and gain some much needed rest and practice.

   “We were pretty tired from the I.B tests and practice and the time off allowed us to relax and get back to focusing on tennis which helped us tremendously.” said first doubles Alphonse Pierre. In the first playoff match they faced  18th seed John Adams at home, and won 4-1.

   Another home game against 11th placed Lehman was a clear  5-0 win. For the first time ever Curtis was in the semi finals and had high hopes for winning the title. “For me playing at the U.S National tennis center was a big deal, I’m sure it was for everyone, but I tried to stay focused and treat it like any other match,” said Rezwan Islam.

   At the semis the team faced the undefeated second seed Jamaica. Although Curtis was ranked lower they didn’t show it, beating  Jamaica handily 5-0 and earning a spot in the finals. “It was an amazing feeling getting a chance to play in the finals, but we knew our work wasn’t over and we had one more game to win,” said Senior Andy Li.

   In the finals Curtis faced the 20th seed John Bowne who were ranked low but played very well. However, they did not have  enough to stop the Warriors who were lead by first doubles Alphonse Pierre and Andrew Alvarino who won very quickly 6-0, 6-0. The team went on to win the match and finals 4-1 and win the first tennis city championship in Curtis history. “I’m really happy for the seniors who worked hard for four years and were able to win a championship their senior year, not many kids can say that,” added Coach Elizabeth McClean.