The Bakersfield College men’s tennis team is ready to start off strong after a fourth-place finish in the Western State Conference.

Head Coach Regina Csibi-Krueger spoke about how the team has to do more in order to accomplish some of their goals, and what they expect out of the conference.

“The conference is always hard, but we feel we always have a chance. Ventura is generally the best team in the conference, so we try and match what they do as far as wins, ” said Csibi- Krueger. “We can do it. We have pretty good depth. We don’t have any one outstanding, but we still have expectations of the lower players to play well.”

The Renegades first match was against College of the Sequoias on Friday Jan. 29 at home. The team’s number one player, Nick Jacobs, won the match 7-5, 6-2. and the team’s number two player, James Griffin won his match 6-0, 6-1. The team’s only returner and number three player, Matt Booth, won his match 6-0, 6-1 also.

In doubles, the team was far enough ahead in overall total matches that they had the ability to change the order of which teams played against COS first team.

Booth spoke about facing off against COS. “It was a good first match as a team. We had an ego about beating them last year, so I’m glad to get the win,” said Booth. “It was just a good first win.”

Jacobs spoke about the win and what the team accomplished right away.

“It was a good win. I’m a freshman, so I was a bit nervous. I’m glad that we got out to an early lead. It definitely helped us gain confidence,” said Jacobs.

As for how the team expects to do the rest of the way, several players commented on what they expect and what they see happening down the road.

“We play in a tough conference, we have Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Glendale, so hopefully we can do well,” said Booth. “I think we can manage to place 3 or 4, just because the level of competition in the conference, plus we don’t have the advantage of playing some of the teams we thought we would be able to beat, because some don’t have teams any more.”

Ryan Grisso, the team’s number five player, talked about the same subject.

“I really don’t know. Last year they [the team] did not [do] the best, but we have a much stronger team this year, so I think we can do much better,” said Grisso.

Booth talked about what he was doing to help his incoming teammates and how he felt about being the only returner.

“It’s a little scary, but we have some good incoming freshman, so we should be ok,” said Booth.” Just talking to them about what they should expect, and how they can improve their games by the end of the year, for the Ojai tournament.”

The Renegades are 1-0 on the season and will face Fresno City College in a rescheduled game Monday Feb. 1 and Saddleback College Tuesday Feb. 2 at home.