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A tennis career to remember for Ochoa
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Senior Marifer Ochoa reached her goal while representing Ceres High School's varsity girls tennis team for the final time earlier this month in Roseville.

Ochoa advanced to the semifinals of the Sac-Joaquin Section Individual Division-II Tournament, staged Nov. 7-8, at Johnson Ranch Racquet Club.

"I didn't put a lot of pressure on myself," said Marifer, who placed fourth overall. "I treated it like any other year."

Ochoa won two of four matches.

She defeated her first two opponents in straight sets.

She lost 6-2, 6-2 to eventual-champion Eirene Granville of Inderkum in the semifinals.

Ochoa fell in straight sets while battling for third place.

"I just tried to stay focused throughout the matches," she said. "I had more experience than most of the other girls. She (Granville) was definitely a better player. She was really consistent and knew how to place the ball well."

Marifer lost in the second round at the section tourney in 2012, 2011 and 2010.

Ochoa compiled an 18-2 record this year. She had a perfect 16-0 mark in Western Athletic Conference play.

She ranks No. 2 on Ceres High's all-time greatest girls tennis player list behind McKenzy Harden (class of 2010).

Harden posted a 161-9 overall record and won three Valley Oak League titles and MVP awards.

Marifer had a .906 winning percentage (58-6) in league.
She was a four-time Sac-Joaquin Section tournament and WAC finals participant.

Ochoa won two conference singles titles and three MVP awards.

"It didn't hit me until afterwards," Ochoa said while reflecting on her success-filled career. "I feel there are some areas I could have done better. But overall I'm pretty satisfied. I definitely still want to play tennis. I'm not sure where."