By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Bruin Raquets Fall To Ripon Christian.
Placeholder Image
So much for careful calculations and predictions.

Riverbank's tennis team came close to a win, but ultimately lost, 4-3, to Ripon Christian on Tuesday and then split two matches against Hughson on Thursday.

RC's win leaves the Knights tied with Escalon for first place with the other four teams, including Riverbank, close behind and probably headed for a tie, according to Bruin tennis coach Bruce Edwards.

In the RC match, Riverbank split the singles matches. Javier Contreras lost 6-4, 4-6, 4-6; Matt Santin won, 6-2, 6-0; Katy Hughes won, 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 and Rachel Soto lost, 3-6, 2-6 .

In doubles, Nathan Lyday and Tyler Burnett lost, 4-6, 6-1, 3-6; Vivian Fernandez and Amber Nickles lost, 5-7, 1-6; and Justin Jarvis and Cecilia Gutierrez won, 7-6, 6-4.

"Katy had hurt her knee and was limping, but played really well," said Edwards. "Matt won his singles to put us ahead. Javier struggled against an opponent who had improved a lot and moved faster than last time. Javier's loss was a big disappointment to us."

RC surprised Riverbank by starting with the mixed doubles, which had not warmed up, and stacking it with their second strongest boy player, Edwards added.

On Thursday, Riverbank played Hughson twice at home, first to make up their first match, which was unfinished because of darkness, and then to play their second league match.

Riverbank lost the make-up match 2-5 after already falling behind in the earlier bout, but won the second league match, 6-1.

In the make-up match, Javier won by 6-3, 6-2; Santin lost, 6-7, (4-7), 1-6; Hughes won, 7-6, (7-2), 6-4 and Soto lost 4-6, 3-6.

In doubles, Lyday and Burnett lost, 6-7, (4-7), 1-6; Amber Nickles and Fernandez lost, 6-4, 4-6, 1-6; and Jarvis and Gutierrez lost, 1-6, 7-5, 1-6.

For the second league match against Hughson, the Bruins swept the singles. That match saw Contreras win, 6-3, 6-0; Santin win 7-6, (7-4) 4-6, 7-6 (7-4); and Hughes win, 6-2, 6-2; and Soto win, 6-2, 6-3.

In doubles, Lyday and Burnett lost 1-6, 4-6: Fernandez and Nickles won, 6-2, 3-6, 6-4; and Jarvis and Gutierrez won, 6-2, 6-1.

"Both Katy and Rachel won easily. Javier had a heavy battle," said Edwards. "Their boys doubles pair dominated. One of them had a powerful overhead stroke."