The 2021 Westside varsity boys tennis team traveled to Millard West on Wednesday, Sept. 8. The  Warriors emerged victorious with a combined record of 8-1 over the Wildcats. Westside scored a big win from sophomore A.J. Shefsky in the No. 1 singles. Westside also took the No. 1 doubles, courtesy of junior Alex Kugler and senior Clark Rue.

Rue, a team captain, said he was pleased with the team’s performance. 

“It’s a good feeling to know that I’m not only helping the team out by winning my matches,” Rue said, “but it also helps out our state seeding with every win at No. 1 doubles.”

Rue said he’s optimistic about the rest of the season.

“I think that we all have to come into our matches with a fighting spirit,” Rue said. “As the captain, I know the other players look up to me and if they see me bringing the energy, then they will too.”

After the win at Millard West, Shefsky had quite the weekend at the Fremont Invite, where he placed second in the No. 1 singles. After a stellar freshman season, Shefsky has met the high expectations placed on him so far this year.  

“I’m really proud of our guys,” Shefsky said. “We fought hard at the invite. We lost by one point to Mount Michael for first-place, so I know I’m right there.”

A feature of this Westside squad, Shefsky said, is that the players are never satisfied and they know when they have work to do.

“I just have to keep working hard every single day that I step on the court,” Shefsky said. “As a team we need to keep taking it one step at a time and keep doing what we’re doing. I think that’s how we will be successful going forward.” 

The Warriors look to snag a win this Thursday, Sept. 16, at Millard North.