‘Balers lone semifinalist ousted from TCALs
Salinas – Facing the top seed in the Tri-County Athletic League girls tennis tournament, San Benito’s Amanda Marshall knew she would have to play her best match to even have a chance against Salinas’ Kelsey Nicks.
Even doing that, it wasn’t enough as Nicks got by Marshall in straight sets to advance to the league finals.
“Kelsey played really well,” ‘Balers coach Ed Cecena said. “She really did live up to her No. 1 seeding. She played even better that her first two times (against Marshall).”
Marshall, the lone ‘Baler to reach the semifinals, dropped the match 6-2, 6-2. The loss ends her season.
“She played about as well as she could play,” Cecena said. “Amanda gave it her best effort, she has nothing to be ashamed of.”
While Nicks is a senior and playing in her final TCAL tournament, Marshall is only a sophomore and figures to have two more solid seasons ahead of her.
“She should be able to be one of the top players in the league,” Cecena said.
