DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER
It is no coincidence that Edinburg High’s tennis players are winning more tournaments this season. It’s also no coincidence that the Bobcats’ teams are placing in more tournaments.
Last season, the Bobcats tennis program boasted 24 players. This year? Thirty-five.
“We’re doing a lot better than last year,” Edinburg High coach Steve Cavazos said. “The experience they’re bringing in is big and more kids are in the program. So that’s more to work with and more to practice with.”
Because of the growth, Cavazos has implemented more drills. He specifically emphasizes technique and footwork.
Individually, there’s also a new face in sophomore Melanie Solis, who will transfer from the junior varsity to varsity in time for district play next month.
“She has potential to go further in varsity that what she can do on the JV,” Cavazos said. “She’s moving her feet well. She’s placing the ball, she’s hitting the ball. I can’t even compare what she did last year to this year. It’s like she’s been playing for years.”
Cavazos also has a new mixed doubles team in seniors Karen Lopez and Juan Medina. Each had played singles, but did not start pairing up until January. Their first tournament competing together, they placed fourth.
“The chemistry between them is, just, wow,” Cavazos said.
Cavazos also has some familiar names leading his program. Sophomore Olivia Salazar has “shown more maturity on her part,” Cavazos said, and now has a “thinking level” that complements her “awesome skill game.”
Doubles team Summer Roxburgh and Katia Solis have also shown improvement, showing more mobility and power playing through the net.
“I think we’re going to have a good amount of kids going to regionals,” Cavazos said. “But it is tough competition and it is a mental game. That’s what we’re working on.”
MISSING A PIECE
Sharyland High’s boys golf team has placed first (twice), second and fourth, respectively, at tournaments this semester. And the Rattlers will only get better.
Sharyland High has been without one of its key players in Matthew Gonzalez, who injured his hand last month. Gonzalez is one of three returning stalwarts — Arturo Garza and Carlos Ramirez are the others — from last season.
Though the results have been positive, coach Fernando Rodriguez also sees his team struggling from Gonzalez’s absence. Gonzalez is expected to be back by the time district play starts. He recently had stitches removed and is regulated to putting only.
“We’re waiting for him to come back,” Rodriguez said. “At the same time, it gives us time to look at other players who can help us.”
Those players include Abel Oseguera, who placed fourth at the La Joya ISD Invitational last weekend, and Kevin Rodriguez, who placed ninth, Rodriguez said he is looking at as many as four players for the fourth and fifth spots on varsity.
UP NEXT
The Donna ISD Invitational golf tournament will be held this weekend at the Llano Grande Golf Course. There are two tennis tournaments this weekend. Corpus Christi will host its annual Spring Fling, and Sharyland High will host a varsity tournament.