Getting served

Tennis season is underway, both in the professional ranks and at Cerritos.

But over the years, the teams at Cerritos have struggled somewhat. Not so much as with the ability to win games, but for off-the-court reasons.

With recruiting problems and not enough money to fund the team last season, the women came close to canceling the season until the team was blessed with some charity from the Bookstore accross the street from campus.



The men's team decided not to compete in last year's regional playoffs in regard to the athletes' individual schedules and to concentrate on schoolwork.

This year, both teams are looking to go further. While the women have started with two straight loses, the men however have won two straight.



Both are returning a few key players from last year and both have some impressive first-year members.

The men are led by the Wonder Twin duo of the Vachirajongkols. Individually, they may not be the absolute best, but when they "activate" their wonder twin powers, they are a force to be reckoned with.

Jackie and Jefferywere both 1st team All-SCC last year and are the best double players. Jeff is in the No. 1 singles slot with his other half followed closely behind at No.2.

Against Mesa College last Thursday , Jeff won 6-2, 6-1 and Jackie, 6-0, 6-2.



The women have Asha Badal, No. 5 singles player. She may be the Falcons' own version of Serena Williams.

Sonia Gutierrez got a 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 win in the #2 singles match against Orange Coast last Thursday. She is one of the first-year players to look at for the rest of the season.

According to women's coach Rosana Chatman, the team has to work on its footwork and consistency. I'm sure that the men have work on the same factors.

Next Tuesday, the men will try to do what the women could not; defeat Saddleback. The women lost 6-3 to the Gauchos on Feb. 1.The women's next game is against Glendale on Tuesday.

This season, may monetary difficulties not stop the tennis teams from reaching their full potential.