Bulldogs on pace for top-three finish in first year of A-league
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MORGAN HILL — The past three years, coach Randy Barbaglia’s girls tennis team at Sobrato High School has thrived on a spectacular singles rotation led by Alexa Watanabe and Ali Pecsok.
So, when Alexis Whitaker joined the team this fall after recovering from a broken toe, the rich got even richer — like into a new tax bracket. The Bulldogs suddenly have a Big Three.
“She’s a huge addition,” Barbaglia said. “Alexis is consistent, and she can pick up the momentum anytime she wants to. She’s got a good forehand and a great backhand.”
And just like that, Sobrato has gone from being an underdog in its first season in the Mount Hamilton Division to being a viable top-three finisher. The Bulldogs moved up to the Blossom Valley Athletic League A conference after placing second behind Independence in the Santa Teresa Division a year ago.
Tuesday, Sobrato beat Independence 5-2 at SHS, riding another impressive effort by Whitaker and Pecsok, who beat Cindy Do and Jessica Phu, respectively, in straight sets in the Nos. 1-3 matches. Sophomore Emerald Nguyen stepped up as well with a two-set victory over Independence’s Toni Alexander.
The Bulldogs (3-2 league) forfeited Watanabe’s spot — she was on vacation.
Though a new girl on the team, Whitaker understood the importance of the victory.
“We told her how Independence is like our rival. It was a huge game,” Pecsok said. “They’re a really good, really aggressive team, and we were able to match their intensity.
“Alexis is just a beast. She’s good at everything, and she’s fun to work with. It’s given us a lot more energy having her on the team. (Alexis, Alexa and I) are all seniors, and we want to make our first year in the A league special.”
Whitaker was eager to try out. She broke her big toe during a pick-up soccer game almost two years ago but is back at full speed.
“It felt like it took forever to heal. It was really frustrating,” said Whitaker, who was the No. 2 single for two seasons at Valley Christian High School before transferring after her sophomore year. “It feels great to be playing again and being a part of this team.
“Alexa and Ali have been really fun to play with. Alexa is like a backboard; she’s really calm and consistent and plays smart — I hate playing against her. Ali is just a powerhouse. She can crank the ball over the net. She’s a really intimidating force.”
Together with Nguyen, they comprise a diversely talented singles corps that is as good as any in the Mount Hamilton. Each has a great chance to qualify for the BVAL Singles Tournament and possibly the Central Coast Section championships.
Barbaglia finalized a strong mix of doubles teams before Tuesday’s game, and the group won 2 of 3. Allison Stoner and Amy Morimoto, and Allison Bettencourt and Mica Schenkelberg dropped one game apiece in winning their matches. Sobrato’s No. 3 pairing of Amanda Alipaz and Emily Ankiel lost but went three games.
“If we can get one or two of the doubles to be consistent, we’ll do well as a team,” Barbaglia said. “Our No. 2 group is pretty good. Allison and Mica are meshing well together. They’re getting us a big win every time, and that’s what we’re going to need to win matches.”
Watanabe and Pecsok, who anchored the team’s run to a West Valley Division title as freshmen in 2007, have upgraded their play with each new league. Now in the Mount Hamilton, they are poised for a crescendo-like senior year.
“Alexa’s really picked up her ability,” Barbaglia said of his three-time individual league champion. “She and Ali are always progressing. It’s a stronger competition here — the cream of the crop. They’re rising to it.”
NOTE: Sobrato hosts Leland at 3:15 p.m. today.
