DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER
A popular consensus around Valley golf is that Edinburg Vela is the boys team to beat in Class 5A.
But the SaberCats have hit a bout of adversity, by their standards, placing only fourth at last weekend’s Edinburg ISD tournament at Los Lagos Golf Course.
“It’s the first time in a long time we didn’t place in the top three,” coach Miguel De Los Santos said.
The SaberCats were without their No. 3 golfer, sophomore Jordan Olivarez, but the fact remains that they started last semester stronger than they have this semester.
Execution, or lack thereof, has been the primary perpetrator.
“They know there’s work to be done,” De Los Santos said. “Our main focus is the district tournament and making it to regionals. We have time to improve on the things we weren’t too good at (last) weekend.”
It helps that Vela’s building block is John Torres, who won two of four tournaments last semester but placed fifth last weekend. De Los Santos calls Torres a “workhorse” and “strong in all aspects.” He also knows Torres is just a piece, albeit a vital one.
The SaberCats have quality depth and a strong top five. It’s just a matter of getting it all together at the same time.
“I’m really confident in these guys,” De Los Santos said. “Sometimes not at the same time, which we need to start doing, but all can shoot low numbers. It’s a matter of doing it as a team.”
DUAL STAR
Marcos Salinas has gotten his senior year off right.
The PSJA North tennis player won last weekend’s Brownsville Invitational. He’s also a standout for the Raiders’ soccer team.
Last weekend, Salinas competed in a soccer match Friday evening before outlasting St. Joseph Academy’s Fernando Alvarez for the boys singles championship in Brownsville.
“We’ve had really bad weather in tournaments and he also plays varsity soccer,” North tennis coach Kathy Garcia said. “He’s only played three tournaments, really, and he splits time. But he’s a natural. He’s one of those that’s gifted. Soccer only helps because of his footwork.”
Salinas has quick hands with a good forehand. But his strongest trait, Garcia said, is his poise.
“He’s a leader,” Garcia said. “He has an impact on the other kids and he gets them all going. He’s a very humble kid. He’s not one to brag or boast. He really keeps his composure on the court, which is big.”
And his ceiling is high.
“Going into district,” Garcia said, “he should be going in as a top seed.”
DYNAMIC DUOS
Sharyland High’s tennis program has great expectations for this season, and why not? The Rattlers have talent in pairs.
In boys doubles, senior Carlos Ramones and junior Sebas Arizola have won all three of their tournaments this year after making it to regionals last year, two of seven Rattlers to win district and qualify.
“They’ve played better and they’re learning to put points together,” coach Mike Salinas said. “They’re stronger as far as their net play.”
In mixed doubles, Salinas has senior Hector Ronquillo and Stephanie Falcon, his No. 1 players who wanted to play mixed to enhance their chances of going to state.
“It’s basically an experiment,” Salinas said. “They’ve been successful, but they want to see that next level of competition.”
In girls doubles, Salinas also has a pair of aces in sophomore Fernanda Garcia and senior Fernanda Armendariz. They’ve amassed two second-place finishes and one first place this year after qualifying for regionals last year.
Salinas said the Rattlers qualified for regionals during team tennis last semester and competed against San Antonio schools. The experience was invaluable.
Generally, they don’t see much out-of-town competition because it takes raising funds and can be expensive. Now they have a bit of an idea of where they stand, with the state tournament in their sights.
“It’s something that’s always in the back of our minds, but we’re just taking it one tournament at a time,” Salinas said. “We’re training for state, that’s for sure. But we don’t take anything for granted.”