Fighting for the win, the Cerritos College men’s tennis team was routed at it’s home game against Mt. San Jacinto College on Feb. 9.

The Eagles scored a clean sweep 9-0 leaving the Falcons with a 2-1 record for the season so far.

Mt. San Jacinto dominated singles play not giving up a set.

The Eagles had a tougher time in doubles, but ended up taking all three matches in that division as well.

The Falcons tennis head coach Alvin Kim commented on what led to the tough outing, saying,“We made some very basic mistakes, our heads weren’t in the game.”

It was the third loss this year as the Falcons focus on rebuilding the fundamentals.

Mt. San Jacinto brought much of last year’s team, full of international players.

The Eagles took second place in last year’s state championship.

Cerritos College tennis assistant coach, Jenny Tsa addressed what the Falcons need to do differently,saying, “The players need to focus on each shot.”

She went on to comment on problems that plagued the team.

“We tend to get off focus and nervous and it shows in simple avoidable errors. If we think about each shot individually, make each shot just right and not think about the score, we will do better,” she said

“When we get worried about the score we loose focus on the shot, she continued. “We need to do a better job of being in the moment. The point that matters most is the one in play.”

Freshman Todd Jenkins, who consistently ranks among the top 10 California community college men, came close to winning his singles match but sustained an injury.

He recovered but it prevented him from playing in the doubles match.

Another doubles match was decided by injury when Kyle Porter lost a decision 7-5 when he was forced to retire.

“It was a heart breaker to be sure but we continue to learn, grow and improve every game,” Kim said.

He added, “It’s learning the hard way. As long as they keep their head in the game, they’ll continue to build a solid foundation.”

Cerritos came close to two doubles wins as Porter and Marcio Dalpont teamed up for a 8-6 lead only to see it fade. Two sophomores, Andrew Turner and Ryan Ilagan built an 8-5 lead in their match, but the Eagle players came from behind to take the point.

The Falcons next match will be at home against Los Angeles Pierce College on Feb. 14. at 2 p.m.

Last season, Cerritos only played once against LA Pierce and beat them 5-4.