By Sydney Brammer
Senior Taylor Rawson and sophomore Ben Lozano closed their West Yosemite League tennis season obtaining first place as a doubles pair. The two worked exceptionally hard to earn this title this season, and it is a big accomplishment as Rawson closes his career, and Lozano just begins his.
The pair won four total matches in WYL to place first.
Since they placed in the top six for WYL, the two moved on to Area, which took place on Friday and Saturday, April 29 and 30. Area is very similar to WYL, except they competed against all schools in the area rather than just the West Yosemite League, according to Rawson. If the two win in their bracket, they will then move on to Valley.
In regards to taking the doubles title, Rawson is proud. He says, “Last year, my doubles partner [not Ben] and I placed second, so it feels really nice to have had played with Ben this year, and finally been able to win it all.”
Crazy enough, the two actually hadn’t been training together for very long. Rawson says, “Before WYL, we hadn’t even played doubles together, so it was completely new for us. Our different play styles and the way we worked– we both have the same private coach– and the way he’s taught us, meshed together really well. I think it was a huge advantage for us.”
“They had not played much together as a doubles team, but they quickly developed chemistry. Taylor’s methodical approach mixed with Benjamin’s aggressiveness made for a good match,” says Redwood men’s tennis coach, Russel Brown.
Photo courtesy of Aidan Hatch, Gigantea staff
“What this title means to me is that my effort actually meant something. My effort over these past couple years to improve and get better at tennis actually resulted in an accomplishment.”
Taylor Rawson, ’22
The second match of WYL was the pair’s toughest competition. They played against their own teammates. “That was a really good game. It was probably the best game I played that day, but it was definitely the most tough one,” says Rawson.
Like Rawson, the match against their own teammates was also Lozano’s favorite memory. He says, “When we played our own teammates in the second round, we were falling behind and we started better communicating with one another and our teamwork became much better and we started beating them. It was fantastic.”
Rawson possesses a great appreciation for Ben, as they worked dynamically with one another without much training. “My favorite part about Ben is that he was extremely consistent, so when it came to the third game, which I played my absolute worst, Ben was able to stay consistent and we managed to win.”
“I’m really grateful for my private coach, Coach McCallister, and varsity coach, Coach Brown, for pushing me to get better and helping me to improve. And I’m really thankful for Ben for being consistent and really carrying me for a couple of those matches.”
“It was awesome to play with Taylor, he’s a really good player. I’m very excited to make it to the finals,” Lozano says reflecting on this season.
Photo courtesy of Kylen Gray, Gigantea staff
In preparation for WYL, Lozano says, “Coach Brown has us do doubles and singles drills which helps us make better shots and also able to communicate better with one another.”
Securing this title as just a sophomore, it means a lot to Lozano as it’s a reflection of his determination. “It shows how working hard does pay off. It’s just enjoyable to work with other people and to play with them,” he says.
As Rawson will be venturing off to greater things, Lozano looks to his own future in tennis and what doubles may look like, “I might be paired with Tyler who is kind of the rising freshman in varsity tennis.”
“Taylor has helped me become a better player. I’ve been able to better communicate with [other players] and work with them as a team.”
Ben Lozano, ’24
“My coach has just made me a better player in general. He corrected me on my mistakes, making my strengths stronger,” Lozano says referring to men’s tennis coach Russel Brown.
“Taylor and Benjamin’s ultimate result was a little unexpected, although I knew they were capable of winning the top prize,” Brown says.
Sydney Brammer
Sydney Brammer, '22 is currently in her fourth year writing for the Redwood Gigantea. She has a strong passion for featuring the humans of Redwood, and enjoys putting the spotlight on the underdog. She has written for the Visalia Times Delta and Sungazette Sports. You can reach her by email at sydneybr17@gmail.com.
Tags: Ben Lozano, boys varsity tennis, doubles champions, Redwood, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, redwood rangers, redwood sports, sydneybrammer, Taylor Rawson, tennis, varsity tennis, WYL
