Ceres High varsity girls tennis player McKenzy Harden set several goals before the season started.
The junior defended her Valley Oak League title with 32 wins and no losses. But failed to improve on last year's section ranking.
"She was frustrated because she was hoping to get to the semifinals," said Bryan Harden, McKenzy's coach and father. "She did the best that she could."
Sierra Valley Conference champion Ashley Turpen of Christian Brothers High School eliminated Harden from the 2008 Sac-Joaquin Section Division II individual tournament on Nov. 13 in Roseville.
The 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 first-round victory ended McKenzy's 34-match unbeaten streak.
Using no-ad scoring, Harden and Turpen battled for two-and-a-half hours.
"She (McKenzy) played unbelievable in the first set," Harden said. "It seemed like everything was in slow motion. Then the wheels came off. The girl took her out of her rhythm."
McKenzy will be vying for her third straight VOL title and fourth individual playoff berth in 2009. Harden hasn't lost a league match in two years, compiling a 64-0 record.
The junior defended her Valley Oak League title with 32 wins and no losses. But failed to improve on last year's section ranking.
"She was frustrated because she was hoping to get to the semifinals," said Bryan Harden, McKenzy's coach and father. "She did the best that she could."
Sierra Valley Conference champion Ashley Turpen of Christian Brothers High School eliminated Harden from the 2008 Sac-Joaquin Section Division II individual tournament on Nov. 13 in Roseville.
The 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 first-round victory ended McKenzy's 34-match unbeaten streak.
Using no-ad scoring, Harden and Turpen battled for two-and-a-half hours.
"She (McKenzy) played unbelievable in the first set," Harden said. "It seemed like everything was in slow motion. Then the wheels came off. The girl took her out of her rhythm."
McKenzy will be vying for her third straight VOL title and fourth individual playoff berth in 2009. Harden hasn't lost a league match in two years, compiling a 64-0 record.
