Both Turlock and Pitman High lost to their respective opponents on Wednesday afternoon in the second round of the CIF Division I Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs.
Pitman had just defeated Franklin of Stockton on Tuesday and then a day later, traveled to Rocklin High to take on the #2 seed out of the Sierra Foothill League on Wednesday in what ended in a 0-9 loss.
“The girls represented Pitman and the town of Turlock with class and sportsmanship. Our opponents [Rocklin] were just stronger than us,” said Pitman head coach Doug Reimers, who finished the regular season with an 8-2 record in the Central California Conference.
Turlock hosted Granite Bay, who had just swept through Gregori, 9-0, in the opening round, and unfortunately fell in a tight 2-7 loss.
“I felt our team was competitive today,” said Turlock head coach Linda Bejaran. “Granite Bay was definitely beatable. A few more wins and it could have been ours, but my hat is off to Granite Bay on their win.”
Turlock's duo freshman tandem of Maya Young and Izzy Romeo were the sole winners for the Bulldogs side after each played outstanding sets.
Young defeated Granite Bay's Alyssa Sewell 7-5, 6-1 and Romeo's win over Amanda Bone went into a third set, 5-7, 6-3 and 6-1.
“Our two freshmen were fierce competitors today, giving our team the wins,” said Bejaran. “The team overall came out fighting. I'm proud of this team. They show up ready to play and fight to win. They make their opponents work hard for the win.”
Turlock was close to capturing victories from Michelle Gomez and Rebekka Cripe, who pushed their opponents to their limits. Unfortunately both would fall as Gomez lost to Erin Cline, 6-2, 2-6 and 6-0 and Cripe fell to Abby Rowe, 7-5, 7-6 (7-2).
“Rebekka lost two close ones and Michelle battled to go three sets,” said Bejaran of the two.
Turlock ends the year having won their ninth consecutive CCC title.
“I contribute that to all involved in the THS girls’ tennis program; the coaches, the players, parents, athletic director, trainer and the grounds crew,” she said. “It takes a village and the support of our team is fantastic. Hard work, a love for the game and a desire to be the best drives our team. A big shout out to the girls on another awesome season.”
