By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Dawgs lack numbers in tennis
Shorthanded Ceres High drops matches to Livingston, Patterson
manuelpimentel
Ceres Highs Manuel Pimentel lost 6-1, 6-0 to Pattersons Frankie Tang in No. 3 singles play on April 10. - photo by DALE BUTLER/The Courier

Ceres High's three-member varsity boys tennis team dropped to 0-7 in Western Athletic Conference play last week.

The Bulldogs lost a pair of matches at home.

Ceres High compiled a near-perfect 14-1 record on its way to a first-place finish in the 2017 WAC standings. The Bulldogs also qualified for the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs the previous eight seasons.

"I feel bad for the kids," head coach Aubrey Ford said. "They're so used to winning and being at the top of the league. We don't have a full team this year. We can't compete."

Livingston topped Ceres High 8-1 on April 12.

The Bulldogs won one of the two contested matches.

Ceres High's Christian Pimentel defeated Livingston's Michael Leon 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) in No. 1 singles play.

"He has nerves of steel," Ford said. "He's not afraid of any moment. He works hard. I appreciate everything he's done for the team."

Bulldog Angelo Marino lost 2-6, 7-5, 13-11 to Wolf San Kang in No. 2 singles play.

The Bulldogs forfeited their No. 3, 4, 5 and 6 singles, and No. 1, 2 and 3 doubles matches to the Wolves.

Ceres High won one of three contested matches during its 8-1 loss to Patterson on April 10.

Christian Pimentel defeated Christopher Tapia 6-4, 6-1 in No. 1 singles play.

Marino lost 6-4, 6-2 to Logan Davis in No. 2 singles play.

Manuel Pimentel lost 6-1, 6-0 to Frankie Tang in No. 3 singles play.

The Bulldogs forfeited at No. 4, 5 and 6 singles, and No. 1, 2 and 3 doubles versus the Tigers.

Ceres High has three matches left on its WAC schedule.

The Bulldogs will play Pacheco, Central Valley and Livingston.