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University coach John Kessler quickly focused on the positives after the Trojans fell Saturday in the championship of the National High School Tennis All-American Boys Team Tournament for a third consecutive year.

University, the veteran coach noted, reached the finals for a record 11th time in the 24-year history of the prestigious event.

“The fact that we do all of this as a public high school is simply incredible,” Kessler said after a 4-3 loss to Punahou of Hawaii in the finals at the Jack Kramer Club in Rolling Hills Estates. “(Punahou) is a very good team.”

University (10-1) earned two points at singles with wins by senior Arystarkh Len and sophomore Daniel Zhu. The other point came from the doubles team of seniors Langston Walter-Wu and Mimo Alajeely.

University’s lineup also featured Rishvanth Krishna and JiHyuk Im at singles and the doubles teams of Reid Hashimoto-Tyler Chandler and Joseph Chan-Arjun Appa.

The Trojans advanced to the finals with victories against Menlo (4-2 in the semifinals), Iolani of Hawaii (4-2 in the quarterfinals) and Seattle Prep (6-0 in the first round).

Last season, University lost in the championship to Torrey Pines. In 2023, Punahou defeated University in the finals for its first All-American title.

University won the tournament for a fourth time in 2022.

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