After having to battle inclement weather off and on over the past week couple of weeks, Escalon tennis players did get to take the court for a match on Tuesday, March 21.
It was against Ripon and the Cougars came out on the losing end of the contest on the road against the Indians.
“We didn’t have Michael Gaines, our number two boys singles because he was out sick, so we had to shift our entire line up,” said coach Staci Diaz.
Wins on the court came at number one girls singles, with Brooklyn Berry taking the victory in three sets, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.
“After losing the first set, it only motivated her to play better. She adjusted her playing style and went on to beat her opponent in the next two sets,” said Diaz. “I was very proud of her because it’s hard to come back and win two sets after losing the first.”
In other singles play, Cougars taking losses in straight sets were Tommy Pangan and Sahil Prasad in boys action, Courtney Ney at number two girls.
Another win on the day for Escalon came from the number two girls doubles pairing of Elizabeth Shelley and Mikayla Schut, winning in straight sets, 6-1, 6-1.
“Elizabeth and Mikayla played amazing together. The more they play together, the stronger they are as a team,” Diaz explained. “I was so proud of them for working hard and staying focused the entire match.”
Wyatt McCune and Jevan Salyer battled in the number one boys doubles but fell by a 2-6, 4-6 verdict, while number two boys doubles Moises Calais and Jack Fitzgerald took a 2-6, 5-7 loss.
In girls number one doubles, Rachel DeVecchio and Amanda Salvador lost 3-6, 5-7 while Julian Reyes and Mya Beary fell in mixed doubles.
This week, the Cougars have two regularly scheduled matches and a rescheduled match against Hughson, rained out earlier this month.
They were to host Mountain House on Tuesday, March 28 after The Times went to press and will be home again Wednesday, March 29 for the match against Hughson. The busy week on the court will wrap up with a home match hosting Riverbank on Friday, March 31. All matches start at 3:30 p.m.
