On May 5, the Oakmont Vikings Boys’ Varsity tennis team advanced to the second round of the playoffs after a victory over Christian Brothers, 7-2.

Right from the start, the team, along with senior Corentin De Belder, had their eyes set on winning a playoff game. 

“Our goal before the season was to win at least one game in the playoffs as it never happened in the history of boys’ tennis at Oakmont,” De Belder said.

As they did, beating the number three seed, Christian Brothers, 7-2. Coming into the game as underdogs didn’t bother them.

“Before the playoff game, we knew we were the underdogs so our goal was just to play our best tennis,” De Belder said. “We had nothing to lose and that’s how we won.”

Being “underdogs” motivated them to make a statement to all the other teams.

“[Coming in as underdogs] has elevated our tenacity, ferocity, and fighting to respond to the San Joaquin D3 playoff bracket,” Benjoseph Villamor said.

The whole team were excited and grateful by their performance, particularly senior Josh De Leon with his partner, Adrian Santos.

“I think mine and Adrian’s performance was one of the best we’ve had this year,” De Leon said.  “We kept ourselves in the game despite being down a set and then won two consecutive sets.”

The Oakmont Boys’ Varsity tennis team continues to make a strong push into the playoffs as they face off against Central Catholic, on May 9.