Gridley High School tennis players Rio Espino, Jenna Cleland, Shawnacy McGilvray, Brooke Jones, Sarah Huerta-Campos, Abigail Cruz, Gemma Ramirez and Melissa Ramirez are pictured during competition against Corning. Photo courtesy of Robert McDowell

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - The Gridley High School girls tennis team enters its final week of the regular season with two matches remaining before the West Side League Individual Playoffs.

Gridley will face Live Oak on Tuesday before closing the regular season Thursday against Orland. The league individual playoffs are scheduled for Oct. 10 in Orland.

The Bulldogs enter the week in fifth place in the West Side League with a 1-7 record. Coaches Linda and Robert McDowell have watched a young roster develop throughout the season.

Robert McDowell said the coaches have been impressed by the growth and dedication of the team's 17 players as they condition, learn and practice together.

All five players from last season returned, while Gridley added one senior, two juniors, one sophomore and eight freshmen. The additions have given the Bulldogs more depth across the lineup.

Gridley has also relied on several players at the top of its order.

Senior Isabella Gutierrez has played in the No. 1 position six times. Senior Shawnacy McGilvray has played there twice, while junior Brooke Jones has played at No. 1 once as the Bulldogs adjusted their lineup because of health issues.

Jones' appearance at the top spot came against an undefeated Oroville player, Maia.

McDowell said the shifting lineup has occasionally matched Gridley's younger players against older opponents. He said the Bulldogs have handled those situations well, with several games reaching deuce at 40-40 before being decided.

"We always stress that competition is an event where two teams or individuals agree to do their best, and if they do their best, we will not be disappointed," McDowell said. "Win or lose, we love them."

Gridley will use its final two league matches to prepare for the individual postseason competition in Orland.

Gridley tennis roster: Isabella Gutierrez, senior; Jenna Cleland, senior; Shawnacy McGilvray, senior; Ali Khan, junior; Aubrey Mangan, junior; Brooke Jones, junior; Elexa Sherer, junior; Ruby Angel, junior; Sarah Huerta-Campos, sophomore; Abigail Cruz, freshman; Alyssa Mangan, freshman; Gemma Ramirez, freshman; Lea Yahuaca, freshman; Lydia Thompson, freshman; Mary Lybrand, freshman; Melissa Ramirez, freshman; Rio Espino, freshman.