The LATC Open 2 Juniors team lost its match for the West Los Angeles League Junior Championship to the UCLA Aces under the lights last night at the historic Los Angeles Tennis Club in Hancock Park. The loss breaks the team’s 14-final winning streak.
Coach Godwin Omuta told the Buzz this was a tough loss for the team members because they had some chances to win during the 18 matches played by the 13-member team. But, in the end, they just weren’t able to pull it off, losing 8-10 playing 13 singles and 5 doubles matches. LATC earned its spot in the finals this season losing just one match at the hands – or, more accurately, the racquets – of the Aces, coached by Troy Collins.
“It’s time for a new streak,” said Omuta, whose team has dominated the junior circuit in the city for the past five years. “At LATC, we move our best players up, so we are always developing the younger players and giving them a chance to compete,” explained Omuta, who lost some of his top players this year.
The junior tennis program is directed by tennis professional Bruce Foxworth. LATC has five junior teams starting with one Novice team, two Satellite teams and two Open Teams competing in the West LA Junior League against teams from local clubs, tennis clubs and parks in three seasons, fall winter and spring. Players are ranked by ability, not age, but they range in age from 8-17 years old. The LATC program is open to both club members and non-members. Junior players are introduced to the teams through the LATC Summer and winter programs, as well as weekly clinics and lessons.
The historic club, located in Hancock Park, once hosted juniors Venus and Serena Williams and will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year. It was very exciting to watch these young players, who may join the ranks of tomorrow’s professionals.