Deep lineup leads Esperanza past Tesoro

LAS FLORES - If Esperanza’s run through the regular season proved anything it's that, in a league long on talent, the team with the best player isn’t always the team that comes away victorious.

The Aztecs (18-2) once again showcased their enviable depth as each starter claimed at least one set in a 12-6 triumph over Tesoro in the second round of the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs on Friday afternoon at Tesoro High.

“It’s great to have team balance,” Esperanza coach Patrick Young said. “Our No. 3 doubles team is just as good as our No. 2. That just goes to show there’s really nothing lost between all our players.”

Cyrus Modarres and Ryan Peterman swept their doubles sets, 6-3, 6-1, 6-0, to headline the visitors’ three-set doubles edge over the Titans (16-3).

“When the playoffs started we knew we had to take everything one game at a time,” Modarres said. “We can’t look ahead because anything can happen. This is the farthest I’ve come in high school and I know every match could be my last.”

After taking four of five opening-round sets, the Aztecs seized control of the match with a 7-6 tiebreaker courtesy of their No. 3 doubles team of Alex Barron and Jake Altshueler.

“It was huge,” Young said of winning the tiebreaker. “Our No. 3 doubles team is made up of two seniors, so they have the experience to play from behind. It was an important set for us. Instead of starting off 4-2, we’re starting off 5-1 and it’s always good to start off big.”

Esperanza padded their first-round advantage by taking four sets in the second before Modarres and Peterson closed the match with an early third-round victory.

“It’s fun being here,” Modarres said. “I’m bonding with these guys. Everyone’s having a good time, everyone’s happy.”

With seven returning starters and a talented crop of incoming freshman, Tesoro will undoubtedly embrace its bright future.

“I’m stoked for next year, so ready,” Titans coach Tim DiLeo said. “If all the eighth graders who I think will come here, come here, we’re going to be solid again. Very competitive.”

Despite being eliminated from playoff contention, the Sea View League champions will send five players (two doubles teams, one singles player) to next week’s CIF individuals tournament.

One of those representatives will be sophomore standout Luke Mountain who accounted for half of Tesoro’s six sets on Friday.

“Luke has never quit in a third set, ever, whether we’re up or down,” DiLeo said. “I’ve never had a player with that kind of drive. He comes to practice every day, plays hard and wants to be part of it all. He’s one of those kids who wants to enjoy the high school experience.

“That kid is legit.”