Bonanza boys join Gaels girls at top

Bonanza wasn't about to miss its chance to climb back atop the boys tennis heap.

The Bengals, who won four of five Class 4A state titles during a run that ended in 2005, reclaimed the top spot with a 13-5 win over Coronado in the championship match Friday at Carson High School.

Bishop Gorman's girls won their fourth consecutive crown, downing Galena 12-6 at Centennial Park in Carson City.

Bonanza appeared destined for greatness at the start of the season with 12 seniors on its roster.

"These guys played hour after hour, day after day for this day," Bonanza coach Erik Davis said. "It's an exciting feeling."

Bonanza won state titles in 2001, '02, '03 and '05 but not since.

"This is probably the greatest experience I've had as a coach or a player," said Davis, who won two state doubles titles at Bonanza in the 1990s.

Freshman Brenden Aguilar went 3-0 in singles for the Bengals.

Tommy Lettero and Aashish Daulat each went 2-1 in singles for Bonanza.

"Aashish has been the heart and soul of this program for four years," Davis said. "He's our leader. He did a fantastic job."

Colton Pate and Marc Feldman teamed to go 3-0 in doubles for Coronado.

"All of my guys played well, but it was seniors versus kids who just aren't there yet," Coronado coach Luther Bohanan said. "Bonanza just came out and played well. It was a good experience for the kids. I'm proud of them."

Bishop Gorman secured its 15th state title in 21 years by the end of the second round, building a 11-1 lead over Galena.

The Gaels' starters rested during the third round.

"The girls were just ready, and we have enough depth," Gorman coach Gordon Hammond said.

Sarah Toti, Anita Lee and Sarah Bessen each went 2-0 in singles for Gorman, which has won four straight titles on two occasions -- the other coming from 1992 to 1995. Valley won six straight crowns from 1981 to 1986.

"The girls are pretty excited. Some of them know the history," Hammond said. "As a coach, maybe you don't enjoy it as much as you should. I've just been lucky."

Toti, Lee and Bessen lost only a combined one game in six sets.

"They're at a different level," Hammond said.

The doubles teams of Allie Beckett and Blair Bigelow, and Amanda Silvestri and Ciera Courtney also were 2-0.

"This is huge for the whole group," Hammond said. "Everyone did their best."