Despite the nearby clouds darkening the sky, the Yuba College tennis team carried on with their scheduled game against Modesto College on February 24. Due to overcrowded courts, the men played at the Yuba City Racquet Club and the women played close by at Rancho Cortez, an extension off of the racquet club.
The women’s team continued their winning streak by overpowering their Modesto opponents in most of their matches. Becky Klein won her match 6-3, 6-0, and then partnered with Mary Lawrie to win their doubles match 6-3, 7-5. Their teammates, Holly Bowman and Jennie Miracle, also had a successful day. Bowman, with a large lead, won her game 6-1, 6-2, and Miracle surpassed her rival 6-4, 6-2. Bowman and Miracle also doubled up to win their match 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, in the longest women’s match of the day.
The men’s team wasn’t as triumphant as the women; they dropped all their matches to their Modesto competitors. Even so, Coach Prager was pleased with his players’ performances.
“Our team is full of new guys,” said Prager, “and they are constantly improving.”
Prager was also encouraged by his No. 1 player Matt Rodrigues’ game. Although Rodrigues dropped his match to David Phipps 2-6, 6-3, 6-0, Prager feels that he is in a good position for the rest of the season. The coach is also impressed with No.3 seed Chai Her who, after taking two years off from playing tennis, is quickly getting back into the game. Her, as well, had a tough game against Justin Yarbrough 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.
“He’s coming back quicker than anyone thought he would,” said Prager.
Since losing John Lester, one of his other top players from last year, Prager is hoping that some of his players will be able to improve up to that level.
“We still have much to improve on,” he said, “but we’re getting there.”
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