MEN'S TENNIS KICKS OFF THE 2014 SEASON
CRC Men's Tennis played its first match at home on Wednesday January 28th against Sierra College. The result of the game was a 2-7 loss, however with that being said it is also the first collegiate tennis match that every player on the team participated in, because the team consists of all freshmen.
Nicholas Podesta enters his first season as the CRC Men's Tennis Head Coach. The match versus Sierra was more of a learning experience for the young players, especially the ones that had to play above their normal level due to other players not being cleared in time to compete. In the start of the match the Hawks "1" and "2" Kevin Yu and Bryan Leung, played very well in their doubles match as well as their singles matches, showing the coaches serious potential. As a young team, Head Coach Podesta said that, "the coaching staff will have to work with them on making adjustments and continue to work on their overall development." The Hawks have potential out there on the court, but for most young players it takes time, hard work and experience to develop into a great player.
This season the Hawks will have their hands full with a tough Conference ahead of them, with 3 teams finishing in the top 24 last year in state, Fresno City, Modesto, and Reedley. Fresno City finished the 2013 season ranked number 1, Modesto at 15th, and Reedley at 24th. With that being said, the Hawks will have a chance to face great competition and learn to mold into more mature players. The players are motivated to learn and Coach Podesta says, "I enjoy the guys on the team and appreciate how hard they work everyday."
The Hawks come in this season as a young squad, however they are very motivated and willing to learn to be best players they can be. It is very early in the season and there is a lot of room to improve their play, and with great coaching and hard working players the Hawks can make this season a successful one!
The Hawks next match is Friday January 31st at 1:00 PM against Diablo Valley College. This match up is a great opportunity for the players to show what they can bring to the court, and for the coaches to learn what they have on the roster to help the team as a whole.