Bulldog tennis posts 11-3 overall record, earns fifth seed in CIF playoffs

By Bill Tamburrino

The Bulldog tennis team finished the regular season with a non-league 15-3 victory over University City High School and then jumped into post-season action.

The Dawgs finished one of their best campaigns in school history by posting an 11-3 record overall and finished in second place in the Valley League with a 4-2 record.

Coach Doug Failla’s Dawgs competed in the Valley League singles and doubles tournaments and two singles players, Daniel Streeter and Adam Mazzola, qualified for the CIF singles tournament. Both players advanced to the semifinals to earn the privilege of advancing to the CIF singles tournament.

Three doubles teams qualified for the CIF doubles tournament. Christian Failla and Ricky Flores took second in the Valley League. Nick Peterson and Garrett Wilcox and Chad Martin and Jack Mellecker also qualified for the CIF doubles tournament by making it to the semifinal round of tournament play.

“This is the most players that have qualified for the CIF in school history. Eight athletes advancing to the CIF is an awesome accomplishment. We worked hard and improved all season and as a result eight Bulldogs will be playing in the Barnes Center representing the community of Ramona,” said Failla.

The Dawgs also received recognition as a team. The Bulldogs were awarded the fifth seed in the Division II CIF team playoffs. They have a home match against Valhalla High School. If the Bulldogs win they will play fourth-seeded Pt. Loma on the road and then will face No. 1 seed La Jolla on Thursday.

“I am very proud of our accomplishments as a team and I am proud of the individual accomplishments in the Valley League tournament. We had a very big and loyal following of parents and fans, and we received great support from the Ramona Oaks Resort and Racquet Club. We play in a great facility and teams don’t mind traveling up here to play matches,” said Failla.