Central Valley’s boys tennis program tripled its league win total from a season ago this spring.
“We did better than last year,” Hawks’ new head coach Nimrat Chahal said.
The 2024 Hawks compiled a 4-8 record en route to placing fifth overall in the Central California Conference standings.
Buhach Colony (1-11) and Golden Valley (1-11) tied for last.
Merced (12-0), El Capitan (10-2), Patterson (8-4) and Atwater (6-6) took first, second, third and fourth, respectively.
Central Valley swept Buhach Colony and Golden Valley.
“We saw some steady growth,” Chahal said.
The Hawks competed shorthanded most of the season as players were sidelined due to injuries, missed practices and other commitments.
“The only time we had our full lineup was our last match of the season against Buhach Colony,” Chahal said.
Central Valley closed out the season with a 7-2 victory over Buhach Colony on April 18 in Atwater.
“We were confident going into the match,” Chahal said. “They guys took care of business. They did a great job.”
The Hawks won five of six singles and two of three doubles matches versus the Thunder.
Anantah Sivongxay prevailed at No. 1 singles.
Israel Guajardo prevailed at No. 2 singles.
Uriel Mendoza prevailed at No. 4 singles.
Jorge Avila prevailed at No. 5 singles.
Avori Ortega prevailed at No. 6 singles.
Leonardo Monroy and Alexander Aguilar prevailed in No. 1 doubles play.
Rodriguez and Jaylan Tagadaya prevailed in No. 2 doubles play.
“It was nice for the seniors to end the season with a win."
Central Valley lost 9-0 to undefeated Merced on Senior Day in Ceres on April 16.
“They dominated us. They have a good program and coach.”
Upperclassmen Chauhan, Mendoza and Monroy were recognized before their final home match.
“We thanked them. We gave them goodie baskets.”
The Hawks dropped all six singles and three doubles matches to the Bears.
Guajardo lost 6-0, 6-1 in No. 1 singles play.
Chauhan lost 6-2, 6-0 in No. 2 singles play.
Avila lost 6-0, 6-0 in No. 3 singles play.
Mendoza lost 6-2, 6-3 in No. 4 singles play.
Ortega lost 6-1, 6-3 in No. 5 singles play.
Monroy lost 6-1, 6-0 in No. 6 singles play.
Rodriguez and Tagadaya lost 4-6, 6-1, 10-8 in No. 1 doubles play.
Leonardo Navarro and Isaiah Ramos lost 6-0, 6-1 in No. 2 doubles play.
Aguilar and Darien Pongbandith lost 6-0, 6-1 in No. 3 doubles play.
Central Valley’s boys tennis program is moving in the right direction according to Chahal.
“We’re a young team. We’re only losing three players. It’s an opportunity for the rest of the guys to step up.”
Chauhan, Mendoza and Monroy will be lost to graduation in June.
“It was a joy having all three of them on the team. They’re hard workers and good kids. He (Chauhan) was a three-year varsity player. He was a part of our last playoff team a few years back.”
Central Valley could return nine of 12 starters from this year’s team in 2025.
“I can see us fighting for a playoff spot in the WAC (Western Athletic Conference) next year."
The Hawks are moving from the CCC to the WAC as part of the Sac-Joaquin Section’s league realignment plan.
Central Valley has made three playoff appearances during its existence.
The Hawks experienced their last winning season in 2022. Central Valley compiled an 8-4 record while placing third in the CCC. The Hawks returned to the playoffs following a six-year absence. Chahal was an assistant coach.
“We’re trying to rebuild, which is hard,” he said. “The more kids you have that play consistently, that’s going to lead to success. You have to have a special group. You have to stick together for four years.”
