The Pitman Prides' varsity girls’ tennis team struck a win in their first preseason match-up of the 2014 season after trouncing Central Valley 6-3 on Wednesday.
With the game at Central Valley, the Pride had no home field advantage but none of that was needed after they beat the Hawks in the singles matches, winning four of six.
“Our singles players continue to impress. They fight. They hit strong shots. They hit smart shots,” said Pitman head coach Doug Reimers. “Even better, I've had to move some doubles players up to 5th and 6th singles because of illnesses and they've had good success.”
The doubles would see similar results after the Pride took two of the three matches to trounce the Hawks in convincing fashion.
Although every win came in straight sets for the Pride, Reimers feels there is still plenty of work that lies ahead for the 2014 squad.
“All the team is learning and getting better each match. I believe there is still greater potential for all the girls to reach,” he said.
The number one singles player, Sahemi Castorena had a tough battle against CVs Emely Amaya, but played hard until the end and the final was a loss after a 6-4 and 6-4 result.
Macey Loomis and Barbara Beasley, Pitman's number two and three singles would topple Naomi Torres and Jadah Jackson in straight sets to claim victories for the Pride.
“We improved at all positions from our disappointing loss to Enoch High on Tuesday. The girls are showing more heart and fight every match,” Reimers said.
The second loss in singles for the Pride would come in the number four singles contest after Danei Aguilar Franco lost to Central Valeey’s Teresa Diaz in three, 2-6, 6-0 and 7-5.
Yen Luu, who competes as the number five singles for Reimers and the Pride, was by the far the most consistent after winning her match against Celeste Lepe, 6-1 and 6-1.
“Yen has been a rock for us at 5th singles. She plays hard, intelligent tennis every match,” said Reimers. “She's always trying to improve and sets a fantastic example for all the players.”
The number one doubles team would be the only loss in the doubles for Pitman after Vianca Soria and Daphne Blas fell 6-4 and 6-4 to Central Valley’s Chelsea Flores and Princee Pe.
Kaila Lewis and Deenpal Kaur would control the number two doubles after a lengthy match that went three sets, 4-6, 6-4 and 14-12.
Madeline Heidman and Lane Hayman capped off the day with a straight sets win in the number three doubles, 6-0 and 6-0.
“Our doubles players have talent, but we are still looking for the right combination of personality, skills, and desire,” said Reimers. “Luckily, we have the Clovis Tournament and a couple matches next week to help doubles match the quality of our singles.”
Pitman will compete in the Clovis Tournament on Friday and Saturday with a time yet to be announced.
