No. 2 CdM leaves no doubt in rout of Woodbridge

IRVINE - The key to following boys tennis in Orange County is understanding that high school programs stack in tiers.

So while No. 2 Corona del Mar (10-1, 2-0) is currently ranked just one spot higher than No. 3 Woodbridge, it’s important to understand that there’s much more space between those two teams than the rankings suggest.

If you need proof, look no further than the Sea Kings’ dominant 16-2 victory over their Pacific Coast League foe on Tuesday at Woodbridge High.

“We always take each match as it is,” Corona del Mar’s Alex Murray said. “We take it one at a time and give our best every match because there are no easy matches.”

The Sea Kings, who will face top-ranked University on Thursday, swept all nine doubles matches (one 6-0, three 6-1, two 6-2, two 6-3 and one 6-4) and claimed all but two singles matches.

“The first round is always critical because it sets the tone for the rest of the match,” Murray said. “We have three real good doubles teams and being one of two seniors on the top team, I want to help guide the younger kids.”

One of those younger kids, freshman and No. 3 singles player, Henry Gordon, swept all three of his matches (6-2, 6-0, and 6-2).

“We’re all pretty even,” Gordon said of he and his singles teammates. “I think playing three gives me an advantage because I can wear out the other guys when maybe they’re expecting an easier match.”

A bright spot for Woodbridge (8-2, 0-2) was No. 2 singles player, Jaime Zillman, who defeated his counterpart, 6-2, and CdM’s top singles player, Alec Adamson, 6-4.

The visitors held a 5-1 advantage after the first round and a 10-2 advantage after the second before sweeping the third.

“Our doubles have been dominating and our singles have kept up too,” Sea Kings coach Brian Ricker said. “Our No. 3 doubles team has been playing as well as our top doubles team so far.

“When our No. 3 team can compete with their No. 1, I think that’s the defining blow.”

With a pair of league wins already in its pocket, Corona del Mar’s attention now shifts towards Thursday’s showdown with the Trojans.

“Throughout my high school career we’ve always had one good match and one terrible match against Uni,” Murray said. “I’m excited to see which one Thursday will be.”