When the San Benito High boys tennis team finished 0-13 two years ago, coach Chris Yoder knew it would either build character in his younger players or prevent them from trying out for the squad again.
The former happened, and the Haybalers are poised to reap the benefits of that ignominious 2013 season.
“I have a feeling this is going to be the year for us to win the league championship,” said Yoder, who is in his seventh year coaching the program. “Our team has matured since that 0-13 season a couple of years ago. Give credit to them—they hung on after going 0-13, which built a lot of character in the process.”
Indeed, the players who stuck around after the 2012 season should be rewarded as the Balers seem poised to capture the Monterey Bay League’s Pacific Division this season.
San Benito took a huge step toward that goal with a nail-biting 4-3 win over visiting Monte Vista Christian on Tuesday. The Balers (4-0 overall, 2-0 in league) clinched the match with Rafa Alfaro’s 7-6, 7-6 win at No. 4 singles.
“I told the guys last year they weren’t prepared enough and didn’t work hard enough to win,” Yoder said. “You need to play year-round if you want to be good, and I think some guys played a little more than they normally would during the offseason.”
Senior Aaron Francis returns as the No. 1 singles player, but he actually played No. 1 doubles with Andrew Regalado against the Mustangs because he’s recovering from an infection of an ingrown toenail last weekend.
Francis played the Nos. 1 and 2 spots a year ago. Francis has a well-rounded game, and he’s complemented his physical skills with a superior mental makeup.
“Aaron is much smarter on the court now and is using his head well,” Yoder said. “He’s using his strengths really well to cover up his weaknesses, and he’s strategically thinking all the time. He understands the game and is making adjustments on the fly.”
The Balers received a boost with the addition of sophomore Marquese Hayes, a sophomore-transfer from Texas who is at the second singles position. Hayes has a distinct advantage in that he’s a lefty with a good serve—a combination that often gives right-handers fits.
“Marquese plays with some nice fundamentals,” Yoder said. “He plays a pretty aggressive baseline game and can also come to the net.”
Yoder said junior Chris Godbout, who played Nos. 3 and 4 singles in 2014, is probably the most improved player on the team. Godbout has only been playing the game for three years, but he’s made nice strides every passing season.
“The nice thing about Chris is I think he can still get a whole lot better,” Yoder said.
Senior Christian Grenados, who played No. 1 doubles last year, will play at the Nos. 3 and 4 singles slots. Tuesday, Grenados played second singles and lost a third-set super tiebreaker.
“Christian moves really well—he’s like a giant cat on the court,” Yoder said. “He has a pretty nice forehand and is a nice counter-puncher.”
San Benito also returns its core nucleus in doubles, starting with Regalado, a senior who played in the same position a year ago. Regalado was partnered with Alfaro until Francis’ infection forced a lineup change.
“Andrew and Rafa have looked pretty good in the early going,” Yoder said. “I like their chances to win a lot of matches because they’re both really athletic and cover a lot of court.”
In the first two weeks of the season, sophomore Sean McConnell and senior Sal Perez formed the No. 2 doubles slot, while seniors Bradley Kortson and Gilbert Banuelos III manned the No. 3 position.
However, Yoder gives every player a chance to challenge for positions, so positions change on a semi-regular basis. Against MVC, for example, Esteban Gomez teamed up with Perez and Jack Stegman played with Banuelos III.
If the Balers win the Pacific Division, they’ll play the second-place team from the MBL’s upper Gabilan for a Central Coast Section playoff berth. Yoder expects the team to be playing in the winner-take-all match.
“I told the kids this year I would be disappointed if they didn’t win league,” Yoder said. “The only way we don’t win league is if we choke; chocking is when you don’t prepare. It takes a lot of hard work to win, so I expect the kids to work hard and try to earn the league championship.”
