University's Brymer regroups, charges into round of 16
NEWPORT BEACH – University sophomore Gage Brymer had to deal with something completely foreign to him this season. For the first time this year, Brymer lost a set while playing for the Trojans, losing Wednesday to Horea Poritiu of Peninsula of Palos Verdes.
The loss meant Brymer wouldn’t accomplish a major goal of his – finishing the year undefeated.
Friday, Brymer had a chance to bounce back and get back to work on another goal – winning the CIF-SS Individual Tennis Championship.
Brymer, along with University sophomore Stefan Menichella, advanced out of the regional, which was hosted by Corona del Mar at The Tennis Club in Newport Beach. Also advancing were both University doubles teams, Marina’s Parker Glore and Dana Hills’ Trevor Dell.
“The first loss of the season didn’t feel too good,” Brymer said. “It still stings, for sure, but I’m trying to get over it and cope with it. It was a bummer.”
Before playing, Brymer spoke with his father, Chuck, the director at the Woodbridge Tennis Academy, about learning from his loss and responding in a positive fashion.
Brymer did just that. In two matches, Brymer lost just two games on his way into the tournament’s sweet 16.
“I made myself focus and forget everything,” Brymer said. “To come out here and play good tennis and everything, it helps me feel better about that loss.”
University’s two doubles teams, senior Kona Luu and freshman Drew Dawson and junior Ryo Shimizu and sophomore Tyler Lu, advanced without too much trouble.
“The goal was to get everybody out, and we got everybody out,” Kessler said. “Now, we move on.”
The tournament continues Thursday at Whitter Narrows Tennis Center and Friday at the Seal Beach Tennis Center.
Dell probably had the toughest road past the round three, beating Poritiu, while fighting through painful leg cramps.
“It really hurt,” Dell said. “I had to take a medical timeout, and from there, I just grinded.”
All the players who advanced will be reseeded before the tournament’s next round.
