There was an early shakeup to the Central California Conference after Tuesday's loss for the Pitman Pride boys’ tennis team at the hands of Merced High after a 5-4 final.

“We were tied 4-4 with No. 1 doubles playing for the match, the sun was going down and it came down to who could see the ball better,” said Pitman head coach Jeff Hayes. “These boys are driven and improving. We learned some good lessons from the loss.”

Pitman stands at 2-1 after three league matches.

Turlock is already off to a 2-0 start in the CCC after beating El Capitan last week in their first match, followed by a 7-2 win over Atwater on Tuesday.

“Definitely should be one or two in league. We should,” said Turlock head coach Jack Schneider. “We have some good reserves as well in case we have injuries since you never know.”

No. 1 singles Davis Griffin is anchoring the Bulldogs for the upcoming season and coach Schneider expects him to make a run. Schneider also is expecting to win his second consecutive CCC title after his team made a powerful statement last season.

“Davis should have won league last year but he hurt his back in the semifinals,” said Schneider. “He played great tennis and had a clinic down at Fresno.”

In the Clovis Tournament that ran March 3 and 4, Turlock ended up placing second in their division.

“I was just real happy because that is a tough tournament with great competition,” said Schneider.

Pitman's No. 1 singles is Andrew Rosero. Second on the singles list is Lorenz Lat, while Javier Benitez (3), Ross Wheeler (4), Lukas Faulder (5) and Philip Shabazzian (6) follow down the list. The No. 1 doubles team for Pitman is Robert Boster and Alex Lat.

Turlock graduated eight from last year, but welcome newcomer Warren Foote, who now sits as the No. 5 singles player.

“Drew Gomez and Luke Bartell are newcomers,” said Schneider. “Lot of young kids. Honestly, I was worried I would not have enough to fill the roster, but I have 21 guys and just one freshman. They decided to come out.”