his game but on his body, too. The result is disciplined footwork that puts him in position to overwhelm his competition with a devastating serve and forehand. “I definitely think I’m more aggressive than passive as a player,” Pises said. “What I like to describe (my game) most as is ‘patiently aggressive.’ Anyone can get a shot and just smash it. But what I like to do is set it up, and then once I get that final kill shot, that’s kind of where my aggressiveness and what I’ve been doing all these years really comes out.” A key component to Pises’ game is one he never had to learn, but rather utilize and maximize to his advantage: being left-handed. It may not seem like a big deal, but the majority of tennis players are right-handed. Shot angles and spins can vary dramatically with lefties and can really throw even the most experienced of players off their game. “He’s learned over the years how to use his left-handedness,” McCollom said. “He’s spent the last few years to develop those spins. When he gets aces, the (opponents) look like they just saw a ghost.” Pises’ serves may fool most people, but not Guzman, who looks like he belongs on the tennis court rather than the gridiron. Whereas Pises uses his footwork and line-to-line shots to wear down his opponents, Guzman racks up victories with his speed and quickness. “(With Guzman), there’s a completely different player,” McCollom said. “He’s a counterpuncher. … He’s fast as lightning.” It’s that speed and quickness that led Guzman to the No. 1 overall seed in the NCS tournament last year. He also didn’t lose a set all season until his matchup with Pises in the final. Not too shabby for a freshman. Still, that title eludes Guzman, and it doesn’t appear Pises is
18
SportStars™
April 28, 2011
Court Contenders Aside from Andrew Pises and Michael Guzman, here are five more players who could challenge for the NCS singles title on May 6-7. Shaun Chaudhuri, Monte Vista-Danville, Senior Took home the top honor as a sophomore in the 2009 tournament. Mark Meyer, Monte Vista-Danville, Senior Defending EBAL singles champ lost to Pises 7-5, 6-1 in last year’s NCS semifinal. Tyler Gadbois, Piedmont, Senior Reached the NCS quarterfinals before losing to Meyer in three sets. Marky Cantu-Marston, Ukiah, Senior Won the North Bay League championship to become the tourney’s first qualifier. Jonathan Kim, Clayton Valley-Concord, Junior Lost to Guzman in straight sets during an NCS quarterfinal a year ago.
ready to relinquish it. And instead of allowing the spotlight to blind him, Pises maintains his humble, affable nature that emanates to everyone with whom he comes into contact. He employs the same work ethic in tennis to the classroom. The results are nearly identical as Pises will be attending Cal — a top 10 NCAA tennis program — in the fall.
“To make a D-1 roster is so hard right now,” McCollom said. “(Tennis is) an international sport. There’s also hundreds of great tennis players in America.” Of the 13 players on Cal’s 2011 roster, seven are from overseas. “It may be among the hardest sports to (obtain a scholarship),” McCollom said. “Andrew didn’t go the academy route. He did it by going to one of the most academically-demanding schools in America.” Pises hasn’t dropped a match this season and will be the odds-on favorite to win it all again. Nevertheless, he readily admits he has a giant bulls eye on his back this year. “Everyone knows you that you won (NCS), so everyone is gunning after you,” Pises said. “There’s that little extra pressure. It’s made me focus on the new objective that now I have to try and repeat and maintain that status. So I’d say it’s a little more difficult, a little more stressful.” What might be more stressful is keeping his winning streak alive. One would have to turn the clock back almost two years to find Pises’ last loss: a 3-6, 2-6 defeat in the 2009 NCS quarterfinals to Chris Kipouas of Monte Vista-Danville, who is a friend of Pises. He may have no problem keeping the winning streak intact until NCS, but one way or another, he’ll most likely have to go through Guzman for another crown. Pises is already gearing up for it. “I definitely go through the past matches, and especially the one last year,” said Pises when explaining how he prepares for Guzman. “He’s a great player that will recognize a change in tempo and take advantage of it. I’d like to. ... keep him guessing.” ✪
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