Manteca's Gabe Lopez sends out a sharp return.

Ike Dodson/Sun Post

The Bulldogs of Turlock High are not members of the Valley Oak League, nor are they a possible postseason opponent for Manteca High’s star-studded tennis program.

         What they are is a tune-up.

         Today the Buffaloes will take on the Division I stalwarts of the Central California Conference in preparation for a 12-deep postseason format that Manteca will see in the Division II Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs.

         “We are taking care of business before the section playoffs in two weeks,” Manteca coach Frank Fontana said. “The goal all year has been to win the league and then do some damage in the post season.”

         A league title is all but certain for the Buffaloes, who posted a 5-0 (second-half league format) win over East Union on Tuesday, April 15, and remain unbeaten in league play.

         Mostafa Aniss posted a 6-0, 6-1 win over Kris Narvios to kick off wins while Yassen Aniss defeated Shelby Charaska 6-1, 6-0. Gabe Lopez managed 6-0 sweeps over Marcos Aleman.

         In doubles, Beto Lopez-Ellis and Juan Lugo defeated Josh Vanderwerff and Tyler Ward 6-0, 6-0 before David Shaefer and Joey Aprile could top Zach Benedetti and John Clawson (6-0,6-1).

         “Everyone on the team has been playing well,” Fontana said. “Practice has all been about the postseason. We have been working on singles with Beto and David and having Juan and Joey playing with different partners.”

         Manteca is 11-0 in league play with a 21-2 overall record. The team sports a 29-match winning streak in the VOL.

         The Buffs will see action at the league singles tournament on April 29, and doubles tournament on May 1. The SJS playoffs kick-off on May 5.