LIVE OAK, CA (MPG) - The Live Oak Lions boys varsity tennis team had the experience and the numbers to make a matchup with Gridley High School likely a whitewash.

However, the Bulldogs were up to the task and pushed the Lions to the limit on Friday. Following up on a four-tie-break performance against Colusa the previous week, Gridley pushed two more sets to an overtime session.

The Bulldogs won one of them 7-3 behind the strong play of fifth-seeded Cesar Ortiz and his playing partner, sophomore Eric Ramirez. Ortiz, a freshman, lost his singles match first set tie break 8-6. Neither Bulldog had played tennis prior to joining the team two weeks ago.

Gridley junior Jeremy Longmire rebounded from a disappointing showing the previous week with a much-improved service game in winning his fourth-seed match 6-4, 6-4.

Bulldogs junior Spencer Davis continued to improve his all-around play and showed some significant power in his service game, putting a ball through the net on a first serve. Junior Cole Leishman and sophomore Ryan Woolery faced off against Live Oak’s number-one and two seeds and learned valuable lessons from the more-experienced Lions, Carlos Topete and Chris Fregoso.

Gridley head coach Bob Moffitt says he is pleased with the heart and sportsmanship displayed by his squad.

“They really battled well under adverse conditions,” Moffitt said. “They could have laid down in some matches when it was obvious they were facing a stronger opponent, but they didn’t. They worked hard to identify their own weaknesses and make the adjustments.

“We are not about winning. We are about learning and improving. Winning I am sure will come soon enough.”

Indeed, in two of the matches, the Bulldogs won more games in the second set than they did in the first. Junior Juan Avelar and senior Taylor Johnson, also newcomers, showed improving serves and net play in their exhibition match.

Gridley will visit Las Plumas on Tuesday, March 8 and will be home against Paradise Adventist on March 10. Matches start both days at 3:30 P.M.

The tennis team is raising money to pay for rackets, nets, water, snacks and uniforms. Lemonade stands, home-meet barbecues, bake sales and pizza fundraisers are all in the works. If you would like to donate to the team or help man a barbecue, please email Coach Moffitt at [email protected] for more information.