The Yuba College tennis team began their season on a positive note in their home game held at Yuba City Racquet and Health Club against Butte College on February 10. The women’s team dominated in the single and double matches; the men played well, but lost against their matches against the Butte team.
Returning player Becky Kiehn and new team member Mary Lawrie doubled up to defeat the Butte team 6-2, 7-5. They both went on to win their single matches, 6-1, 6-0, hitting powerful serves and returns against their opponents. Becky Kiehn is the No. 1 player on the team; she qualified for the state meet last year and placed 13th in the state. According to Coach Josh Prager, she has the same goal in mind.
“Becky is a very talented (tennis) player,” Prager said. “She is the best on the team and has a good chance of ranking high at the state tournament.”
Another player whom Coach Prager has high hopes for is Matt Rodrigues. Rodrigues is the current No. 1 player; last year he qualified for the state tournament with his doubles partner Anton Talle, where they placed as the No. 12 seed in the tournament. This year he will be doubling with No. 2 player Nathan Redman.
“I think Matt will definitely qualify for States,” said Prager.
Graduated partner Anton Talle agrees.
“He’s a great player, works hard, and has improved from last year,” said Talle.
The other women team members did well in their matches also. The doubles team of Jennie Miracle and Holly Bowman won their match 6-2, 7-5. Miracle is a returning player and will be playing No. 2 in doubles and No. 3 in singles; Bowman will play No.4 in singles.
The men’s team is also full of new players this year. Along with Nathan Redman, the team’s roster includes Ge Lau, No.3; Chai Her, No.4; Chris Eytcheson, No.5; and Tony Lee, No.6; and returning player David Xiong.
Coach Prager is optimistic about the new season.
“We have some work to do, but it’s going to be a fun year,” he said.
The next home match that the 49ers will have is against Consumnes College on February 19 at the Yuba City Racquet Club.
Comment Policy: Comments are welcomed and encouraged. However, the editorial board reserves the right to edit or delete, without notice, any comments submitted to the blog. For more details, see our full Comment Policy.