The Turlock and Pitman High tennis teams squared off on Tuesday for a classic Central California Conference matchup as the ‘Dogs swept the singles matches 6-0. However, the Pride were able to dominate the doubles, winning two of the three matches in straight sets 3-0.
Despite their troubles in doubles, the 'Dogs but still managed to come away with an overall 6-3 win and an early 6-0 start in the CCC.
“The Bulldogs played a tough opponent today and prevailed. We always enjoy playing Pitman,” Turlock head coach Linda Bejaran said. “We are currently 6-0 in league at the half-way mark and I am proud of the effort all the girls are committing to their game and to the team.”
The number one singles match was closer than it appeared early on as Jillian Temple of Turlock prevailed and defeated MacKenzie Nordahl from Pitman in straight sets, 6-3 and 6-2. Madeline Hillis dominated Brianna Wheeler in straight sets 6-2 and 6-0.
Turlock’s single players, Temple, number three Mila Johns and number six Abigail Wilson are currently undefeated with a 6-0 record.
Pitman’s number five single Sahemi Castorena was the only Pride singles player to not get taken out in straight sets, but Turlock’s Courtney Chan quickly rebounded and took the match, 5-7, 6-3 and 6-3.
“Castorena was definitely a bright spot for our singles today, but we were still unable to pull away with the win,” Pitman head coach Doug Reimers said. “Turlock has a very impressive singles squad. Our doubles on the other hand, are very strong and they commanded the matches from the beginning.”
Despite getting shutout in the singles, the Pride came back with a vengeance to win the doubles in great fashion.
The number one doubles match was a turning point for Pitman as Alicia Ramirez and Ruby Hernandez barely notched a win in the third set against the ‘Dogs' Kayla Gilkison and Rebekka Cripe, 3-6, 6-4 and 10-7. Pitman’s number two and three doubles would sweep the ‘Dogs in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3 and 6-2, 6-1.
“We are moving in every aspect to improve and get better every day,” Reimers said. “We had a strong outing from the girls but I give a lot of credit to Linda and Turlock High, they are very good at what they do. They deserve to have a 6-0 record so far and be the best this year.”
Pitman will host Atwater at 3 p.m. Thursday. Turlock will travel to El Capitan with the match set to begin at 3 p.m.
