The SRJC tennis season began in earnest Tuesday with a loss against Sierra College in the first conference match. The women fell 2-7 and the men 3-6, in their first conference loss since 2007.

    Both squads stand at a record of 1-2, and 0-1 in conference play. For those not in the know, the season has had a tumultuous start. Many new players dropped after facing the rigors of the student athlete.

    Michael Fischer won his match 2-6, 6-3, and 7-5. Donny Felich also emerged victorious, winning in straight sets, 6-1 and 6-4. The other Bear Cubs’ win came in the doubles play of Felich and Michael Kuhlman, a talented freshman whose strong play helped the Bear Cubs to a victory.

     The Sierra College women have been a perennial presence in the post season over the past few years. The Lady Bear Cubs’ only victory came in singles play behind Monica Borowicz and once in doubles with Jessica Coleman and Anna Hoang.

    Half of the men’s squad is comprised of new players. With only Fischer, Felich and Cody Otero returning, the rest are freshman. Coach Jay Samonte said the men’s team had a rough preseason, however, he thinks the group has a lot of “potential.”

    Jessica Coleman is the only familiar face on the women’s team, which is full of young talent. Among the new recruiting class are top local talent Hoang, Gienna Ganalla, and Kelsea Thomas.

    Coach Samonte is optimistic about the Lady Bear Cubs, saying they should be “much more competitive then last year.” As quiet as it’s kept, Samonte indicated that with the progress the women made in preseason, he thinks they could be playoff bound.

    Both teams’ next match is on March 4 against Folsom Lake.