CdM runs into elite talent

NEWPORT BEACH — Corona del Mar High doubles teams had been showing dominance on the court, but coming into Friday morning the Sea Kings were going up against some of the best teams in the nation.

The CdM boys’ tennis team hasn’t been able to win the National All-American Invitational since 2004, when it defeated Broughton from North Carolina. The Sea Kings won’t win it this year either.

CdM lost its first match, but was able to rebound and win to advance to today’s consolation semifinals in the two-day, 16-team tournament that features a format similar to one used in college matches.

The Sea Kings beat Boise of Idaho, 6-2, after they had lost to Bellarmine Prep of San Jose. They’ll face Brophy College Prep of Phoenix, Ariz. today at 8 a.m. at The Tennis Club.

Top-seeded University continues to be the team to beat in this tournament. The Trojans advanced to today’s semifinals in their quest to repeat as tournament champions.

University will face R.J. Reynolds of Winston-Salem, N.C. at 10 a.m. at The Tennis Club. In the other semifinal, Saratoga takes on Menlo. The championship match is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Palisades Tennis Club.

The Sea Kings will try to finish as consolation champions. That final is at 12:30 p.m. at The Tennis Club.

CdM’s doubles teams were able to continue their winning ways as they seemed unstoppable against Boise.

The Sea Kings were able to win three of the five singles matches and they dominated the doubles matches.

In singles action, CdM’s No. 1 player Ryan Peyton beat Boise’s No. 1 Gareott Patton, 8-4. CdM’s Shane Korber beat Matt Oddonetto, 8-4.

Peyton also won his doubles match with partner Pierce Stemler, 8-2.

“It’s good that I can play doubles so I can strategize with my teammate,” Peyton said.

Stemler was also successful in his singles match as he beat Alex Marks 8-2.

Stemler was able to find Marks’ weakness.

“From the start I could tell he had a weaker serve, so I needed to attack that to win the points,” Stemler said. “I needed to hit high balls and hit heavy balls to his backhand which frustrated him.”

CdM’s Matt Fisher and Korber kept it going, beating Boise’s Oddonetto and Marks, 8-6, in doubles action.

Also in action were CdM’s Alex Murray and Carter Wheatley and they beat Mok and Patrick Ryan, 8-4.

“I love playing doubles and I love my doubles partner,” Murray said.

CdM Coach Brian Ricker was pleased with the way his team played against Boise.