Tennis is a sport often overlooked for a lack of competitiveness. It is usually stereotyped as a “weaker” sport, with not much of a rough side.

But seniors Peter Le, Pao Moua, Chris Taing, and Chan Le are trying to break this stereotype. They are leading the team to try to bring a competitive edge, in hopes of obtaining their first Tri-City Athletic League championship.

Tennis isn’t really a passion for them. It’s just something they do. The team can agree they simply enjoy just coming out on the court with friends and competing.

Taing said, “It’s something to do after school.”

“It’s a hobby. I just play,” Peter said.

Still, these young men have a drive within them to do well and bring success to the school and sports program. That’s simply because they love competition.

Several top teams like St. Mary’s have lost key players, making the championship open to anyone and this excites the players.

“We can be a top competitor in the TCAL league,” first year head coach Roger Esparza said. “And that is a great thing.”

“We like playing against people from other schools,” Taing said. “We enjoy the intensity, I think it’s our testosterone.”

“I want to go undefeated and make it to sections,” said Peter.

After and impressive season last year, only losing to West, Peter is returning as the No. 1 single’s player among the three single’s players used in competition.

Moua, a third year player, considers himself competitive with tough competition. He hopes he can use this mentality to get him through the season. Moua and Taing are double’s partners and are at the top of the two double’s teams.

They enjoy working with each other, constantly focusing on communication and speed.

“It’s easier to work with a partner,” Moua said. “Plus, I can just blame things on Chris when they go wrong,” he added amusingly.

Taing has worked immensely on his game this year, following a disappointing season last year. He wasn’t in the rankings, meaning he didn’t compete, which only made him try harder for his senior year.

“I practiced a lot, just shots, drills, whatever,” he said.

And drive like these guys have is continuing to pay off, as they go into their second week of matches.

“I see nothing but success to come,” Esparza said.

Even if they don’t compete in tennis matches year round and hope to go to Wimbledon, Peter, Chan, Moua, and Taing are serious about what they’re doing and they’re bringing it.