With a tight race in the Southern Athletic League for co-ed varsity tennis, Denair and Delhi High were battling for the number two spot in league on Tuesday afternoon.

After losing to Delhi in their first meeting, the Denair Coyotes were quick to turn the tables as they toppled the Hawks at home, 6-3.

“The matches itself were short especially since we started an entire hour late,” said Denair head coach Bill Weber. “We're just taking care of business.”

With his years of experience in the sport of tennis, Weber has launched a new start for the program with great humility as the Coyotes are now 7-2, one game behind powerhouse Ripon Christian who are 8-1.

“The team has improved tremendously now from the first day of practice. It has to do with motivating them and teaching basics with the skills you have,” said Weber.

Delhi is now 6-3 after the loss after winning one singles match and two on the doubles side.

Tuesday was just another example of how the progress has been steadily improving for the Coyotes as six of their wins came in straight sets. Although there were two tiebreakers in the mixed doubles match.

Denair's Robert Williams and Wanda Elliott defeated Delhi's Miguel Presiado and Maria Awariz, 7-6, 7-6.

“It was a day when they stayed focused and a tiebreaker is a skill everyone should learn,” said Weber about the mixed doubles match.

Denair's Brian Dudley, the number one singles player for the boys, topped Delhi's Max Bucio, 6-1, 6-0.

The boys’ number two singles player, Andrew Knapp, trounced Jorge Carillo of Delhi, 6-2, 6-1.

Only Dayan Cruz of Delhi would pick up a win on the singles side for the girls’ number two after defeating Kaelee Martinez of Denair, 6-4, 7-6(5).

On the boys’ number one doubles team, Delhi's Robert Gonzalez and Paulo Mecadonio topped Denair's Zack Ramaley and Tyler Otis, 6-3, 7-6.

“Everyone was a bit more focused this time and becoming more fundamental in the way that they are playing,” Weber said. “This team is motivated and focused and believe they can be champions and they are working towards that goal.”

Denair's next match will be at home against Orestimba High at 3:30 p.m. April 14.

Delhi will host Waterford at 3:30 p.m. April 14.