Barstow tennis ends on winning note

BARSTOW — The Barstow tennis team boys tennis team ended their season on a high note in Wednesday’s 11-7 win against Victor Valley.

“We went into the match expecting to win,” Coach Joy Lealof said. “Because of that, I think we went into the match with a lot of confidence.”

The Aztecs, who have struggled all season, appeared to improve throughout the spring according to their first-year coach joy Lealof.

“It’s been quite a learning experience,” Lealof said. “The team has made substantial improvement since the beginning of the season. I think we have come a long way especially in fundamentals.”

Tennis player Ryan Haefela agreed with that assessment.

“We all tried real hard this season,” Haefela said. “And we all improved a significant amount. Sometimes it was just frustrating because it didn’t always translate into winning.”

Barstow was able to get wins from Auro Reddy who defeated George Crosby in singles, 6-1, 6-1, and 6-0, and Stephen Dwight defeated Adrian Belcher 6-1, 8-7, and 5-7.

In doubles, Aaron Stephenson and Jerad Bruahn defeated Sean Silvey and Zach McKeller 3-6, 6-0, 6-0. Ryan Haefela and Jermoe Angels lost 1-6, and 6-4.

“It should be interesting to see what we are able to do next season,” assistant coach Chris Hele said. “Things are only going to get better from here.”

Next season, with Leolof teaching at the high school, she feels able to recruit more players.

“I think I will have more opportunities being at the school on the regular basis next season,” Lealof said.

Victor Valley singles
Crosby 1-6, 1-6, 6-0; Kevin Two 1-6, 8-6 (tie breaker), 7-6, Belcher 1-6, 7-8, 7-5

Barstow Singles
Reddy 6-1, 6-1, 0-6; Sponsler 1-6, 8-6 (tie breaker), 7-6; Dwight 6-1,8-7, 5-7

Victor Valley Doubles
S. Silvey and Z. McKeller 6-3, 0-6 0-6; (forfeit);

Barstow Doubles
A. Stephenson, J. Brahm 3-6, 6-0, 6-0; (forfeit); R. Haeflea and J. Angels 1-6, 6-4