Bonanza, Coronado to meet for boys title

CARSON CITY -- Bonanza and Coronado's boys tennis teams have played against each other once this season.

When they meet at 9 a.m. today at Carson High School, it'll have far more meaning.

The Bengals and Cougars won a semifinal match Thursday to set up a showdown for Class 4A state title. Coronado downed Reno 11-7 in one semifinal, and Bonanza routed Bishop Manogue 16-2 in the other.

"We're playing like a team," Bonanza coach Erik Davis said. "We're together. We're united. We feel like we can put anybody in any position now."

Brenden Aguilar and Tommy Lettero each went 3-0 in singles for the Bengals.

Andrew Whiting and John Grady were 3-0 in doubles. Nate Tanner won three doubles matches, two when paired with Aashish Daulat and one with Scott Davis.

"We just have so much experience," Erik Davis said. "I can't say enough about these kids."

Colton Pate and Marc Feldman, normally two of Coronado's top singles players, went 3-0 in doubles as Coronado coach Luther Bohanan switched his lineup.

Reno's Jeff Mullen, a 6-foot-9-inch powerhouse, went 3-0 in singles.

"We did very well in doubles," Bohanan said. "I knew Mullen would win three no matter what we did."

Bonanza beat Coronado 15-3 on Sept. 2 at Bonanza, but the Cougars were without two of their top players.

"It's going to be a good match," Bohanan said. "I just hope the kids play well."

Bonanza, which lost last year's state final to Palo Verde, is undefeated this season.

"We have to play well," Erik Davis said. "Coronado has an excellent team. They can do some damage."

In girls action, Bishop Gorman put itself in position to win its fourth straight crown and 15th title in 21 seasons by ripping Reno, 14-4.

Sarah Toti, Anita Lee and Sarah Bessen each went 3-0 in singles for the Gaels. Allie Beckett and Blair Bigelow were 2-0 in doubles.

The Gaels will meet Galena for the title at 9 a.m. today at Centennial Park.

Galena advanced by downing Green Valley, 11-3. Jessica Hsu was 3-0 in singles for the Gators.