‘Balers top Chieftains 5-2, haven’t lost since Feb. 26
HOLLISTER
In two matches last season against Palma, the San Benito boys tennis team couldn’t quite overcome the Salinas school’s top-to-bottom depth and quality that eventually led the Chieftains to a Tri-County Athletic League title.
But that was last year.
Since losing to Salinas on Feb. 26, the Haybalers have won four straight matches with their latest victory, and perhaps biggest victory, coming in the form of a 5-2 triumph over visiting Palma Thursday at the Ridgemark Golf and Country Club in Hollister.
Last season, San Benito lost twice to the Chieftains, both times by 6-1 margins.
Thursday’s match was a far different case, however, with top singles player Derek Panger setting the tone with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Palma’s AJ Yates.
Although Chieftain Dominic Ottone defeated ‘Baler Mark Tobias 6-4, 6-0, San Benito took the remaining singles matches when Kyle Skinner beat Corey Banks 6-3, 6-1 and Austin Pan topped Steven Rogelsky 6-2, 7-6 (8-6).
In doubles, Palma’s Hunter Johnson and Alex Hussein narrowly defeated Tony Culler and Jon Rudolfs 7-6, 7-5 at No. 1, but San Benito won the last two doubles matches to clinch the win.
At No. 2, Connor Bray and Eric Johnson downed Jorge Ponce and Konner Holzwart 6-1, 6-1, while the No. 3 pairing of Mike Jensen and Josh Greenwood silenced Chieftains Brandon Woods and Austin Walker 6-0, 6-0.
On Tuesday, the ‘Balers defeated visiting Everett Alvarez 6-1.
The four straight wins for San Benito should supply more than enough momentum heading into next week, when the ‘Balers will visit Salinas on Tuesday and Gilroy on Thursday.
“Next week is huge,” San Benito boys tennis coach Chris Yoder said.
“Salinas is gonna be tough but we’re looking forward to it. And our match with Gilroy is gonna be tough. I’m expecting a good match with both of them next week.”
Match time on both days is 4 p.m.
