Doubles pairings sweep past Sobrato, Lady ‘Balers 2-0
HOLLISTER
San Benito girls tennis coach Ed Cecena has seen a noticeable change in the strength of his doubles pairings.
Since last season, when his Lady ‘Baler squad compiled an out-of-nowhere 15-1 record, even earning a share of the Tri-County Athletic League title, the team’s depth at doubles was a welcoming surprise.
“Whereas before it’d be the other way around,” Cecena said. “It just shows you that kids are taking lessons, playing year-round.
“Last year I was really shocked, but not this year, with what we did last year. We have those expectations now. We’re expecting to win most of these matches.”
So far, San Benito is certainly meeting those expectations, and the depth at doubles has helped them jump out to a 2-0 record after matching 5-2 victories this week against Watsonville on Tuesday and Sobrato on Thursday at the Ridgemark Golf and Country Club in Hollister.
The No. 1 team of Crystal Perreira and Marisa Ibarra, who only lost two matches last season, have filled in as the top pairing this season rather nicely in the absence of Elena Fata and Rachel Maheu, Cecena said, and have essentially picked up where they left off.
Meanwhile, Cecena noted the play of No. 2 singles player Abbie Woods.
“Abbie lost the first set (against Sobrato), but figured her opponent out and pulled out the match,” Cecena said. “She was thinking real well and did well to pull out the match.”
San Benito (2-0) will host Seaside Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. at Ridgemark.
V. Sobrato. Singles: A. Watanabe, SOB, def. A. Marshall, SB, 6-0, 6-4; A. Woods, SB, def. A. Pecsok, SOB, 3-6, 6-3, 10-8; H. Barker, SB, def. D. Than, SOB, 6-2, 3-6, 10-6; A. Stoner, SOB, def. R. Smith, SB, 6-4, 6-4. Doubles: C. Perreira, M. Ibarra, SB, def. K. Martin, S. Martin, SOB, 6-2, 6-1; V. Casalegno, C. Yoakum, SB, def. A. Morimoto, A. Warren, SOB, 6-0, 6-0; B. Ahumada-Wolfsmith, L. Ademek, SB, def. L. Fisher, A. Bettencourt, SOB, 6-0, 6-0; J. Vest, E. Glasspool, SB, def. A. Warren, M. Luy, 6-0, 6-0.
