Becky Bonner said she’s
”
pumped
”
for the upcoming tennis season at San Benito High. It will take
the kind of energy and attitude the senior Bonner brings to the
court for the Balers to contend for the Tri-County Athletic League
team title this season.
Gone is three-time league champ Phoebe Bachofer, off to
Cal-State Los Angeles on a tennis scholarship. Bachofer will be
impossible to replace, but Baler head coach Ed Cecena, in his
second year, likes the enthusiasm of his girls, not unlike the kind
Bonner exudes.
Becky Bonner said she’s “pumped” for the upcoming tennis season at San Benito High. It will take the kind of energy and attitude the senior Bonner brings to the court for the Balers to contend for the Tri-County Athletic League team title this season.
Gone is three-time league champ Phoebe Bachofer, off to Cal-State Los Angeles on a tennis scholarship. Bachofer will be impossible to replace, but Baler head coach Ed Cecena, in his second year, likes the enthusiasm of his girls, not unlike the kind Bonner exudes.
“We had 33 girls tryout for the team,” said Cecena, whose club opens the non-league season at Seaside Thursday. “I actually had to make cuts. There is good athleticism on this team and we have some first-year players who will help us.”
Bonner and senior Mary Beth Miller are locked for the Balers at No. 1 doubles, the only set part of the lineup. All the other spots are up for grabs, though Cecena has a quartet of players who will vie for the four singles slots.
“Becky and Mary Beth were our No. 2 doubles last year and have a lot of experience,” said Cecena. “They’ll also bring a lot of leadership to the team. I’m hoping they’ll take some of our other doubles players and take them under their wing.”
Cecena expects Cathry Villarico, athletic twins Sheila and Sheryl Overman, junior Tracy Hopkins and sophomore Jamie Huston to fill out the doubles teams. The Overmans and Huston are first-year players, but have a good upside.
Other possible doubles players are juniors Alyssa Penacho, Fritzie Lacdao, Kristina Leal and Megan Kirk, along with sophomore Kathryn Nieto.
Cecena’s singles are fairly intact. It’s a matter of the order which has yet to be determined. Seniors Tiffany Davies and Jill Merrigan seem to have the edge for No. 1 and 2 singles, though juniors Vanessa Martinez and Mary Von Urff will challenge throughout the season.
“We should have a good, competitive team this year,” said Davies. “I won’t say we’ll contend for the league title, but we’re just trying to be competitive in league matches.”
“This is a good group of girls,” said Cecena. “Just like last year. We’ve been working on the basics, working on ground strokes and volleying.”
Cecena expects Notre Dame to be the T-CAL favorite.
“Notre Dame is the one constant,” said Cecena. “Gilroy and Salinas will be next. We’ll probably be middle of the pack.”
Home matches will be at the Ridgemark Tennis Center, though the clearance hasn’t been officially given for the upcoming season. The Balers have their first non-league home match this Tuesday vs. Watsonville. First T-CAL match is Sep. 30 at Live Oak. The T-CAL tournament is Nov. 6 at Ridgemark.
