By Spencer Chase
Kyna Fong (Mountain View) vs Spencer Chase (San Francisco)
This match begins with Kyna playing a solid all-around attack game. Spencer is overwhelmed by her all-around tenacity and good variations in service and shot placement. In the second game, Spencer is still playing too passively and the game score goes to 2-0 for Kyna. Misha tells Spencer that he must start attacking and serve more to the forehand. Spencer does this and wins the next game. The fourth and fifth games were dictated by Spencer’s controlled offense and steady pips out blocking. San Francisco goes up 1-0.
Sean Lee (Mountain View) vs Misha Kazantsev (San Francisco)
These two players have played many times in local tournaments and know each other's game. In the first game, Sean displays good timing and a good short game and comes away with a win. From then on however, Misha starts using some of his best serves and dominates as a result. Sean can’t seem to get an opening with Misha’s heavy spin and sharp forehand. The match is won by Misha. San Francisco is now up 2-0.
Joey Hu (Mountain View) vs Daniel Chen (San Francisco)
This match was the battle of the penholders. Joey is a blocker/hitter and Daniel is a looper with a unique reverse penholder backhand. The games were generally dominated by Daniel’s skillful loops from both wings and his successfully attacking Joey’s long serves. Joey gets one game but in the end, Daniel is just too steady and controls the game with his looping. Daniel’s play is arguably the best this evening as he wins another point for San Francisco to bring the score to 3-0.
Sean Lee/Henry Sit (Mountain View) vs Misha Kazantsev/Spencer Chase (San Francisco)
This match was mostly dictated by serve and serve return. Mountain View goes up 2-0 mainly because of unforced errors and weak service returns from San Francisco. However, in the third game, Misha started hitting loop kills at will. This made it hard for Mountain View to get any opening after this point due to Misha's powerful kills and Spencer’s consistent play.
The match ends in a 4-0 shut-out victory for San Francisco.