San Benito finishes season with losses to top singles
First-year San Benito tennis coach Ryan Hardin was a little concerned about the format for the Tri-County Athletic League playoffs.
Three of the four teams lost in the first round in two sets in the meet at North Salinas on Thursday and none moved on to the finals in Gilroy on Friday.
The players should play the spot they play during the season instead of switching between doubles and singles, Hardin said.
“It is tough when you have double players playing there in the tournament who haven’t played there all season,” Hardin said. “It would be more competitive and fun for the players if we, as coaches, had our act together more. I’m a little green to the process, but it seems like there is a lot of strife between the coaches (in the seeding meeting).”
The closest match was a three-set loss by the No. 1 doubles team of Spencer Gonzalez and Pringle to Live Oak’s top singles players. Gonzalez and Pringle finished the season with the only winning record for the Balers at 8-6.
The No. 2 San Benito doubles team of Ryan Wood and Ryan Andrade lost to Palma’s top singles players, 1-6, 0-6.
“All things considered, I would have to say the season was a success,” said Hardin, who will be moving to Portland after the school year ends. “The other teams in league are fairly well established and play year round. Our players improved dramically and understand what it takes to take it to the next level.”
Cameron Parker is the only player who has a lot of tennis experience outside of high school, Hardin said.
San Benito will have its core returning next year. Pringle and Andres Builes are the team’s only seniors. Builes and his younger brother, Christian, are from Columbia.
“They are both bursting with potential,” said Hardin of the brothers.
Gonzalez and Andrade were the team captains this year.
“They seemed to have a real understanding of what I expected from them as team members,” Hardin said. “They had a fantastic report with the rest of the team, and I felt they would be good links to communicate what I wanted to communicate without it sounding like it came from me.”
Gonzalez was the most improved player this season, Hardin said. Hardin contributes his improvement to his dedication, even if it meant practicing on non-practice days.
“It was obvious his commitment was rock-solid from the beginning of the season,” Hardin said. “He had a real hunger to improve.”
