Ballard's top tennis player Mitchell Chavez was warming up against his Garfield friends and rival Aron Shimeles last Thursday for a highly anticipated match-up of number one seeds.

Unfortunately, a light drizzle turned into a rain shower, forcing the Garfield and Ballard match to be canceled.

Chavez and Shimeles work out together during the off-season at the Amy Yee Tennis Center in Southeast Seattle and are quite familiar with each other's games. They'll meet again at a future date when the match is rescheduled.

Accepting the challenge of competing with the other team's top player is something Chavez is getting used to since he became the number one seed as a freshman in 2003.

Now the junior is learning to win consistently.

Chavez relinquished his number one seed for two matches to teammate Sean Day to open the season due to a slow start.

Chavez said he began the year rusty and regained the top spot against Bothell and Franklin.

As of last week, Chavez had four wins to only one loss.

"There are a lot of good players out there," said Chavez. "It's going to be tough trying to pull off a winning record. I just go out there and compete."

"He has a very clear idea of areas he needs to work on," said Head Coach Brad Hamilton.

As a team, the Beavers have lost to Lake Washington 7-2 and Eastlake 5-4. Their two wins were against Bothell 6-3 and Franklin 8-1. They added a non-league win over Bellevue.

Hamilton is pleased with the team's progress. During pre-season workouts, the coach said he would break down individual needs. The improvement is evident.

Practices have been harder under Hamilton. He puts players through challenge matches to earn their positions.

Besides Chavez, Sean Day is number two, Jacob Gladstein three, Tyler Stinde four, Kevin Baumler five and Josh Guarino six.

"These guys have been pretty solid in the lineup," said Hamilton.

The result is four solid players from one to four. The younger players are raising their game levels as well.

In KingCo play, Guarino, Stinde, Day and Jeff Nissen all have won matches. Gladstein and Baumler have two wins each.Ballard has scored points in doubles by winning six matches.

The Beavers schedule the rest of the season include:

Inglemoor at Lower Woodland, Oct.6.

Roosevelt at Lower Woodland, Oct. 11

Redmond at Lower Woodland, Oct. 13

At Juanita, Oct. 18.

KingCo singles are Oct. 25-26 at NTC

KingCo doubles are Nov. 1-2 at NTC.