BOYS TENNIS SCHEDULES
Turlock High Bulldogs
Nonconference
Today: at California High Tennis Classic at Clovis West High, all day Central California Conference
Monday: vs. Buhach Colony, 3 p.m.
Thursday: at Atwater, 3 p.m.
March 15: at Golden Valley, 3 p.m.
March 17: vs. Merced, 3 p.m.
March 22: at Pitman, 3 p.m.
March 24: at Buhach Colony, 3 p.m.
March 29: vs. Atwater, 3 p.m.
March 31: vs. Golden Valley, 3 p.m.
April 5: vs. Merced, 3 p.m.
April 12: vs. Pitman, 3 p.m.
April 19: CCC Singles Tournament
April 21: CCC Doubles Tournament
Pitman High Pride
Nonconference
Today: at California High Tennis Classic at Clovis West High, all day April 6: vs. Manteca, 3 p.m.
Central California Conference
March 10: vs. Merced, 3 p.m.
March 15: vs. Atwater, 3 p.m.
March 17: at Buhach Colony, 3 p.m.
March 22: vs. Turlock, 3 p.m.
March 24: vs. Golden Valley, 3 p.m.
March 29: at Merced, 3 p.m.
March 31: at Atwater, 3 p.m.
April 5: vs. Buhach Colony, 3 p.m.
April 12: at Turlock, 3 p.m.
April 19: CCC Singles Tournament
April 21: CCC Doubles Tournament
The Pitman High and Turlock High boys tennis teams know how to make life in the Central California Conference exciting. Last season is a prime example, seeing how the teams finished with a share of the league title.
The same could happen this season, though the crosstown rivals wouldn‘t mind earning an outright trophy.
Both teams have deep rosters that include experienced singles players and reliable doubles teams. So it’ll be interesting to see what will happen when it comes to the top of the league standings. But one thing is certain: Both teams will battle the entire way.
“This is one of my better teams,” sixth-year Pitman coach Jeff Hayes said. “They might be able to go as far as any team I’ve had.”
Two years ago in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I Tournament, the Pride reached the finals. Hayes believes the competition has improved and that his players are prepared for that challenge.
The Bulldogs also believe they’re ready for this season.
“Pitman will be tough,” Turlock coach Juan Alaniz said. “We should be able to compete for the second spot (in the league). If we can compete for the second spot and play in the playoffs, that’d be good.”
Both teams welcome back an abundance of veterans.
Pitman’s top three singles players are juniors Michael Davis, Mike Lazar and Morcos Boutros, who, Hayes said, all have the potential to be No. 1. And all of them are juniors who will return next season to make the Pride that much stronger.
Turlock’s top guys are also returners, with that list including juniors Kemi Asgill, Bryce Brenda and Scott Gray and senior Alex Wolski. Gray is the defending league champion in singles who experienced one loss last season, which came against Pitman’s Davis. Scott then went on to win a first-round match at the Section tournament.
The crosstown rivals will meet twice this season, with the first meeting on March 22 at 3 p.m. at the Pitman tennis courts. The second time will be the season finale on April 12 at Turlock High.
To contact Chhun Sun, e-mail csun@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2041.
