After losing two key players last season, Cerritos College men’s tennis head coach Alvin Kim is determined to fill those two spots as the season approaches.

Derek Siddiqui and Johnny Chai dominated opponents last season with Siddiqui ending the season with a 23-3 record and Chai with a 13-5 record.

Siddiqui left to play for San Diego State and Chai became an assistant coach for McPherson College men’s tennis in Kansas.

Kim talked about the impact Siddiqui and Chai’s departure has had on the team.

“It was absolutely tremendous,” he said.

Derek and Johnny were both top ranked tennis players,were also top-ranked as doubles, and were also Doubles Champions.

“Everyone has to step up. We are the underdogs more than we were last year. I think last year we were really on the radar as one of the better teams.”

Kim continued to talk about his expectation for the upcoming season.

“This year we’re really going to have to fight for it.”

Last year, the Falcons finished sixth in state, finished undefeated in conference going 9-0, and had an overall record of 14-5.

Kyle Porter, who had a record of 17-4 as a singles player last season, said, “Everyone on the team has been working hard five days a week. We come together, we leave together.” Last year, Porter made it into the quarterfinals of the Ojai Tennis Tournament.

Ryan Ilagan, who is also in his second year with a 10-4 record last year in doubles, described Kim, “Very experienced and hands on. When we get into matches, he’s right there giving us feedback on everything we do.”

The Falcons will have their first away game against Victor Valley College on Jan. 31 at 2 p.m.