The boys’ tennis team delivered its most dominant performance yet, shutting out Notre Dame 18-0 on March 14. With this victory, the squad remains undefeated at 8-0.

Boys' Tennis remains undefeated at 8-0 following an 18-0 victory over Notre Dame. Keon Niknejad makes his singles debut at the #2 position. pic.twitter.com/XjqKkGW5Uy

— Harvard-Westlake (@hwathletics) March 15, 2017

In high school tennis, each team ranks three singles players and three doubles teams, typically beginning with most skilled players and making their way down. Each singles player and doubles team plays three matches against the opposing school’s corresponding player/pair, which adds up to 18 matches played, each match counting for one point.

However, when a team reaches 10 points, they will have won by default, and each team will gets the opportunity to sub in players not in the starting lineup.

Because of this rule, the squad was able to give the players who don’t typically start a chance to play, and they delivered.

Four year varsity player Jacob Tucker ’17 led at number one singles, winning his first two rounds before getting subbed out once the squad had an insurmountable lead.

The doubles pair of Jed Kronenberg ’17 and David Arkow ’20 had two 6-0 wins before also being subbed out.

Keon Niknejad ‘17  made his 2017 debut on a substitution late in the third round.

“It was a really good chance for guys who haven’t started in every match to get meaningful playing time and lead the team to a win,” Kronenberg said.