A week of uncertainty over an injury slowly wore off, giving way to a tennis championship and pride for two teams.

Island Pacific Academy sophomore Matt Westmoreland won the Interscholastic League of Honolulu boys singles tennis title, defeating Punahou's Doug Ho, 6-2, 6-2, on Wednesday at Patsy T. Mink Central O'ahu Regional Park. Heading into the tournament, there was concern over his shoulder. In the end, his win brought recognition to his school and for Pac-Five, the team he plays for during the regular season.

"It was big relief for me because last year I didn't do that well," Westmoreland said. "At first I wasn't sure about how I was going to do because right before that, I got injured with my shoulder and I was concerned about making it to the quarterfinals to qualify for states.

"The more longer I went on, the better my shoulder was and I was able to play. Round by round, I just played and I just ended in the final."

Located in Kapolei, Island Pacific is in its fourth year of existence and does not have a junior or senior class. The school has about 600 students in grades pre-kindergarten through 10. In its third year with the ILH, the school sponsors 15 sports, mostly at the intermediate level. During the regular season, Westmoreland competed for Pac-Five, the ILH conglomerate of players from small schools.

Island Pacific principal James Nelligan showed up for the title match, much to the surprise of Westmoreland.

"Having my principal there, I was surprised," Westmoreland said. "Usually it's just my parents and a couple friends. Just having support from teachers and the principal, it felt good having people there instead of having the entire Punahou team against me."

Pac-Five coach Ty Aki said the week leading up to the tournament was "touch and go." Westmoreland was seeded second in the tournament, drawing a much-needed bye in the first round on April 18. He didn't have to play until the following day.

"That one day did help us out a little," Aki said. "He recovered with enough time to play his game. After Monday, it looked like he was (moving) well."

Pac-Five finished in the middle of the ILH team standings this year, which Aki said is "a big thing."

"Having people like Matt win for Pac-Five, it really helps us out," Aki said. "We're a small program and we go up against teams like Punahou, 'Iolani and Mid-Pac."

Pac-Five's Ryan Trujillo, who attends University High, also qualified for the state tournament.

"(Matt's) pretty easy to get along with," Aki said. "Very helpful with all the other players on the team. Kind of like the model out there, willing to help teammates, works out with anybody that wants to."