By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR.
Special to the PRESS
This past week on May 8-9, Port Isabel Early College High School tennis players Ezequiel Palestina, Xaria Boiling and Caleb Mahl competed at the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Region IV Regional Meet held in San Antonio, Texas.
The Mixed Doubles team of Boiling and Palestina lost in two sets (6-3, 6-0) to the team of Branton Kirchner and Emily Stoian from Wimberley. Making their second appearance in the regional meet, tennis coach Maria Ramon was proud of her senior players and stated their opponents voiced several compliments on their play.
“They didn’t win on the scoreboard, but they won personal victories beyond the court,” said coach Ramon. “They played together as a team, supported and encouraged each other, showing growth and maturity.”
Mahl, also a senior, competed in the Boys’ Singles single-elimination event. Unfortunately, Mahl lost to Dylan Nguyen out of Missouri City in two sets (6-2, 6-1). Coach Ramon was pleased with his play as most of his games went back and forth between deuce and ad scoring. Even one fiercely contested battle lasted five minutes.
“He played his way, smart tennis. He stayed consistent and calm throughout his match,” said coach Ramon. “Caleb has a way of chipping away at his opponents as he fights for every last point.”
Prior to Regionals, the girls’ double team of Alexandra Gonzalez and Aylin Ramirez came in third place at the District Tennis Meet. Also, senior Antonio Gaytan lost to the eventual District Champion out of Brownsville Jubilee in a hard-fought battle. Coach Ramon expressed admiration of her four graduating players.
“I’m proud to be called their coach,” said coach Ramon. “All four seniors will be greatly missed.”