Pitman’s Andrew Rosero was the only local representative in boys tennis to reach the Central California Conference singles Championship match after he swept through the competition on the first day of play Tuesday.
It was well over 90 degrees for most of the day at Buhach Colony where the CCC singles Tournament was taking place, but by mid-day, the temperatures soared over 95 degrees on the court according to Pitman head coach Jeff Hayes.
The heat didn’t stop the Pride from making an extensive effort, advancing two into the semifinals while Turlock saw all three of its singles players eliminated after the first round.
“I was a little disappointed with the first-round matches,” said Turlock head coach Jack Schneider. “A total of 16 spots available and we drew the top three seeds… it’s kind of hilarious, the odds are slim of that happening, but nothing you can do about it, luck of the draw.”
“I was hoping to have two guys in the final, but I am proud of the guys. It’s hot out there, anytime you play three matches it’s tough and they played hard. I asked them to do their best and we got that out of them today,” said Hayes on Tuesday.
Pitman’s Adrian Rosero also advanced, despite losing in the semifinal, for an opportunity at third place and the chance to advance to the individual Sections tournament.
Adrian Rosero, who was the Pride’s No. 2 guy met with Turlock’s No. 3 Trent Hulbert in the opening round. He won decisively, 6-2, 6-1 to advance into the next round. From there Rosero won his quarterfinal match, 6-0, 6-2. In the semis he met Golden Valley’s Coen Lejwinse, and an opportunity to face his brother in the finale. Unfortunately, the foreign exchange student from the Netherlands in Lejwinse toppled the younger Rosero with a final score of 0-6, 6-4 (10-6).
Andrew Rosero met Turlock’s Neema Rashidi in the first round and won it 6-1, 6-1. He then met teammate Lorenz Lat in the second round and beat him 6-3, 6-2 to advance to semifinal. Rosero won his semifinal match in straight sets 6-2, 6-4 which lifted him to the final.
Andrew Rosero will take on GV’s Lejwinse in the finals on Thursday.
“Andrew will have to play out of his mind, better than he has before and he has but today wasn’t the best tennis. He played well but he definitely needs to step up, but he has it in him,” said Hayes of the upcoming championship match for Rosero.
Adrian Rosero advances to the third-place match, scheduled to take place from Buhach Colony at 3 p.m. Wednesday.
The CCC Doubles Tournament will take place from Buhach Colony at 9 a.m. Thursday.
“I think the doubles tournament will be better,” Schneider added. “I want to put the best team out there, so should be good and could be a good doubles team.”
