The 2018 spring season has already kicked off for boys tennis in the Central California Conference and after three matches, both Pitman and Turlock high remain perfect with a 3-0 record.
Pitman is on the brink of a big turnaround this year, after a lengthy period out of the CCC title mix, while Turlock is looking to capture its sixth straight title.
“It’s great for both Pitman and Turlock, strongest teams with El Capitan coming in, great we are rebuilding tennis in the area and go in hard next year in the CCAL,” said Pitman head coach Jeff Hayes. “Bringing in my assistant (Michael Davis) who can help my players having played in college and he is an alum who started No. 1 as freshman and mostly through his career.”
“We will be competing, it will be us and Pitman for sure,” said Turlock head coach Jack Schneider. “It will be close. Looking forward to it, CCC title will come down to us. This is it, the last year here and then we get into the league with the Modesto schools.”
Before switching over to the Central California Athletic League next season, both Turlock squads are looking to capture a CCC title one final time.
It will take the entire squad to think about achieving the feat, including all six singles and three doubles teams.
Pitman brothers Adrian and Andrew Rosero are the anchors for the Pride and both should be in the mix for the top two spots for the season said Hayes.
On top of anchoring two of the top singles players in the CCC, Pitman also boasts a strong No. three to six in the singles, including Lorenz Lat, Ross Wheeler, Bryan Ochoa and Marcos Mendoza.
“Last year was a building year and having freshmen in, that really helps us build a team,” said Hayes. “Adrian Rosero with Andrew as a junior, one and two, and that makes everyone stronger since it moves everyone down on the ladder. I like our chances for league this year, I know Turlock is undefeated and it will be a good matchup to see where we are right now.”
Pitman had the chance to match up with one of the better teams in the valley in Clovis High last Friday. The Pride fell 5-4, but the squad learned a lot from it said Hayes.
Hayes is also eager to bring back the winning ways in league, especially in their final season.
“We won seven titles in the CCC and one shared title since Pitman has been a school in 2004, no team in 2003 that’s why,” said Hayes. “I don’t expect perfection from them, if you think you are better than someone and you don’t win how you expect, I tell the kids I expect they may continue to stay competitive and as long as we are learning and getting better I will be happy with the season.”
The ‘Dogs are chasing their sixth straight CCC title while Schneider is looking to get his fourth straight since taking over before they go into the Central California Athletic League.
Turlock is anchored by a plethora of steady players at the singles that includes Shayan Niakan, Eiden Shahbaz, Neema Rashidi, Trent Hulbert, Jack Greene and Warren Foote.
“This year we don’t have the superstar, but we have a lot of depth at singles, all are very solid,” said Schneider. “We are trying to find the combinations for doubles, the rest of league is down overall, so we should have a good chance to win. Pitman has the two best players in league, Andrew and Adrian but we have depth on the bottom of ladder.”
Pitman will next take on El Capitan on the road at 3 p.m. Thursday.
Turlock will host Buhach Colony at 3 p.m. Thursday.
