Ceres High's varsity boys tennis team is closing in on its second straight postseason berth.

The second-place Bulldogs improved to 9-3 in the Valley Oak League following their 3-2 triumph over host Sonora on Thursday.

"It's a big relief for all of us," head coach Brian de la Porte said. "Now there's no way we're not going to the playoffs."

Jose Cortes and Raul Massie clinched the win by beating Chris Sanchez and Dylan Burns 6-7 (8-6), 6-3, 7-5 in No. 1 doubles play.

"It was close," de la Porte said. "It could have gone either way."

Wilson Liang and Brian Moreno, Ceres' No. 2 doubles team, and No. 3 singles player Harmon Bains were also victories.

Liang and Moreno defeated Nick Bateman and Ben Smith 6-0, 6-0.

Bains defeated Daniel Howard 6-3, 7-5.

Harmon has compiled a 3-1 record since losing 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to Sutinder Singh during Ceres' 3-2 loss to Weston Ranch on April 3.

Mike Hundal lost 6-1, 6-3 to Eric Segerstrom in No. 1 singles play.

Aaron Salazar lost 6-4, 6-4 to Luke Bergan in No. 2 singles play.

Ceres High needs to win one of its final two matches this week to lock up the VOL's No. 2 playoff seed.