By Vittorio Romeo, Special to the Independent
Laguna Beach High School senior Benito Romeo won his first tournament on the 18 and under men’s team at the USTA League tournament in Laguna Niguel in November.
Romeo, the Orange Coast League’s most valuable tennis player last year, has worked hard to raise his results to the same level he achieved in lower age brackets.
After winning the first set 6-0 against Conner Corley of Laguna Niguel, Romeo lost the second set 4-6 but came up with some of his best serves and baseline shots to close the match 6-3.
Romeo continues to train privately with Jimmy Gleason and practices with LBHS coach Aaron Talarico.
“I am happy for my first 18 and under tournament win, and am really looking forward to the beginning of the high school tennis season,” said Romeo, the school’s top singles player, who hopes the team will repeat the results of 2009 by reaching the CIF tournament final. “I am certainly going to do everything I can to help our team reach that goal.”
Vittorio Romeo is Benito’s dad.
