Central Valley’s boys tennis team broke into the Central California Conference win column during the final week of the regular season.

The Hawks edged the Buhach Colony Thunder 5-4 during Senior Day on April 20.

Upperclassmen Enrique Lepe, Jesus Hernandez, Jonathan Macias and Nicolas Gil competed at home for the final time.

“We had a lot of energy because it was Senior Night,” said Coach Alexis Villa. “I’m happy for them. We did not want to end the season without getting a win. That was the most important thing.”

Central Valley and Buhach Colony tied for last place in the CCC standings with identical 1-11 records. The Thunder won the first meeting versus the shorthanded Hawks, 5-4, on March 27.

“We should have two wins. We were missing two players.”

Central Valley won three of six singles and two of three doubles matches versus Buhach Colony during the second meeting.

Gil’s 6-3, 7-5 victory in No. 6 singles play propelled the Hawks past the Thunder.

“Nico was the deciding factor." 

Gil had a successful debut at singles.

He usually plays doubles.

“It was cool he was able to step up." 

“He’s a soccer player,” he added. “He gets to every ball. He’s a brick wall.”

Macias prevailed 6-3, 6-3 at No. 4 singles.

He notched his first win of the season.

Kai Sivongxay prevailed 6-1, 7-6 at No. 3 singles.

Leonardo Monroy and Uriel Mendoza prevailed 6-1, 6-2 at No. 2 doubles.

Silas Rodriguez and Jaylan Tagadaya prevailed by forfeit at No. 3 doubles.

Lepe lost 7-6, 4-6, 10-5 at No. 1 singles.

Hernandez lost 6-3, 6-3 at No. 2 singles.

Dylan Chauhan lost 6-3, 7-5 at No. 5 singles.

Israel Guajardo and Bryan Rodriguez lost in straight sets at No. 1 doubles.

Central Valley faced a rebuilding year this spring as nine players were lost to graduation.

The Hawks welcomed back just four players from 2022.

Central Valley also has a new head coach in Villa, who replaced longtime leader Mike Rodriguez. 

“Effort has never been a problem. They show up. They understand the offseason is to grind more.”