San Benito's Danielle Burke came just two points away from winning the Tri-County Athletic League tournament held in Salinas and advancing to the Central Coast Section playoffs.
Salinas' Kelsey Nix edged Burke in the championship 6-3, 4-6 (8-10). Nix will be the lone representative for the league in the section playoffs.
"It was a good match," said coach Ed Cecena. "Both players had a lot of good points."
Burke, San Benito's No. 1 player, had a bye in the first round of the tournament. She defeated Laura Sanchez of North Salinas 6-0, 6-0 in the semifinals and then Alexi Presis of Notre Dame 6-0, 6-1.
No. 2 Amanda Marshall, a freshman, won her opening match against Live Oak 6-1, 6-0 and then lost in the quarter finals to Nix 2-6, 3-6.
The No. 1 doubles team of Marlene Ramirez and Jamie Huston defeated Live Oak in the quarter finals 6-4, 6-2 after a bye in the opening round then lost in the semis against Notre Dame, 2-6, 4-6.
San Benito's No. 2 doubles team of seniors Felicia Freitas and Amanda Watson lost their first match 3-6, 2-6.
Salinas, which edged out Notre Dame for the TCAL league title, advances as a team in the playoffs. San Benito finished third behind Notre Dame.
"Overall we did pretty good," Cecena said. "We can't get over the hump for a title. We're going to work on adding more depth. I am happy with everyone's effort. We're still a relatively young team, and we have a lot of kids coming back.
Nathan Mixter Nathan Mixter covers sports for South Valley Newspapers. You can reach him at nmixter@svnewspapers.com.
POST A COMMENT
If you are under 13 years of age you may read this message board, but you may not participate.
Here are the full legal terms you agree to by using this comment form.
The Score: Baler football and boys and girls water polo
