They achieved all these goals, returning with a ranking of 23. Whangarei Boys' High School were the championship winners.
In the first round, the team faced eighth seeds Francis Douglas Memorial College, of New Plymouth. All of their players were graded much higher than their Gisborne counterparts, and Boys' High lost the round 5-0. Hiraka-Love did well to win a set in his match against an E2-graded player.
The Gisborne boys were fired up to win their Round 2 tie against Christchurch Boys' High, who were seeded 25th.
The win came easier than expected, with four Gisborne players winning in straight sets.
Boys' High were pitted against 17th-seeded Marlborough Boys' College in the next round.
The Gisborne matches were livestreamed by Whakaata Maori, which added to the excitement (and nerves) and determination within the team to pull off an upset win.
It wasn't to be. Gisborne lost by three matches to two. Keanu Makiri was outstanding in this round, playing his best squash in a five-set showdown with an E1 opponent.
Later that day, Gisborne Boys' High played Orewa College who, as 21st seeds, were stronger than they appeared on paper.
After the huge effort from the previous round, with resulting tired bodies, Gisborne fell to a 5-0 loss.
Akira Makiri put in a fine performance, pushing a D-grader in a tight three-setter, while Glacian Hyde took a well-matched opponent to four sets.
Gisborne Boys' High School's last opportunity to beat a higher-ranked team came against Rodney College, who were seeded 23rd.
Gisborne were relying on Keanu Makiri, Riker Rolls and Deyzell Hiraka-Love to pull them through this round, and they did.
For the third time, Ky Bartlett was up against a player with a much higher grading but, as always, he gave 100 percent effort.
As the team's captain and most senior player, Bartlett played a key role in their performance.
His passion for squash was infectious and he set an example in determination and perseverance.
