The flashy red and white tennis uniforms certainly caught the
eye at the Ridgemark Tennis Center Tuesday. No, Stanford
University, a collegiate tennis power, didn’t send a contingent
south for some a few volleys. It was merely the San Benito girls
tennis team, which won four out of the first five matches against
Watsonville to win its second non-league match of the yea 6-1.
While the Baler girls (2-0) styled to victory, it wasn’t
necessarily the uniforms.
The flashy red and white tennis uniforms certainly caught the eye at the Ridgemark Tennis Center Tuesday. No, Stanford University, a collegiate tennis power, didn’t send a contingent south for some a few volleys. It was merely the San Benito girls tennis team, which won four out of the first five matches against Watsonville to win its second non-league match of the yea 6-1.
While the Baler girls (2-0) styled to victory, it wasn’t necessarily the uniforms.
“Everyone has worked hard to improve,” said head coach Ed Cecena. “We’ve been practicing on some things and it’s good to see the girls incorporate those things into the match.”
Not long after Jill Merrigan was dealt a 1-6, 0-6 setback to Wildcatz senior Leslie Woods at No. 1 singles, the Balers had a win at No. 2 singles from Tiffany Davies. Davies defeated Amy Ferreira in two sets 6-1, 6-3.
“I served well and returned her serves,” said Davies.
“Tiffany played excellent,” said Cecena.
Vanessa Martinez, a junior, was just as effective at No. 3 singles, defeating Mayra Magana 6-0, 6-2.
“My serves were kicking in at the end,” said Martinez. “I did a good job of bringing her in, then lobbing over her. I’ve been practicing my lobs a lot.”
The Balers went up 3-1 in the match when Mary Von Urff bested Jennifer Tsieh 6-1, 6-2 at No. 4 singles.
Becky Bonner and Mary Beth Miller secured the match with a 6-1, 6-4 win over Martha Vizcaino/Amanda Cassell at No. 1 doubles.
“We were tough with our alley shots,” said Miller, who hopes to attend the Art Institute in San Francisco next year to study fashion design.
No. 2 doubles Kathry Villarico and Jamie Huston were up 3-1 in the third set when play was stopped. The first two sets went 5-7, 6-4.
Sheryl Overman and Megan Kirk teamed up for a 6-3, 6-4 decision at No. 3 doubles.
It was quite a turnaround for the Balers from a year ago. The Catz were identical 6-1 winners.
“They had a lot more depth last year,” said Cecena of Watsonville.
“We were stacked,” added Wildcatz coach Tony Navarro.
Cecena recently trimmed his roster from 33 to 22, a more workable number. Three players left on their own accord.
San Benito is at Harbor today and at Gonzales on Friday in two-more non-league matches.
