GALT, CA (MPG) - Liberty Ranch High School tennis closed the season with a strong showing in the Sierra Valley Conference tournament, multiple all-league selections and a trip to the Sac-Joaquin Section team playoffs.

For Head Coach Shelby Behrmann, the Hawks’ postseason run was a sign of how much the program has grown in just her second year leading the team.

“This being my second year coaching, it was amazing to see how far this group was able to go,” Behrmann said. “They worked hard, supported each other and kept improving all season. To make it to the section playoffs as a team and have multiple players qualify for individual sections says a lot about their dedication and the direction this program is headed.”

The Hawks had several standout performances at the SVC League Tournament, led by senior Haley Smith, who advanced to the semifinals in girls singles before falling to the eventual champion from Amador.

On the boys’ side, Harrison Leipelt battled through the consolation bracket and came away with the title, defeating a player from El Dorado.

Liberty Ranch also made a major impact in girls doubles. The all-freshman team of Aneesha Naveed and Lacey Smith entered the tournament as the No. 14 seed but quickly proved they belonged among the league’s top teams. Naveed and Smith upset the No. 2-seeded doubles team from Bradshaw Christian in the first round, winning a close tiebreaker to keep their run alive.

The freshman duo carried that momentum all the way to the finals, where they eventually lost to Amador. By reaching the championship match, Naveed and Smith qualified for individual sections.

Abby Lapp and Sofia Chafaii, an exchange student from Spain, also put together a strong tournament run in girls’ doubles. The pair advanced to the semifinals before losing to the eventual champions from Amador.

In mixed doubles, seniors Max Guerrero and Haley Smith entered as the No. 1 seed and reached the finals. They battled Argonaut in a close match before falling in a third-set tiebreaker. Their runner-up finish also qualified them for individual sections.

Several other Liberty Ranch players picked up first-round victories at the league tournament before falling in the second round. Gabe Oneugbu and Michael Blackmore earned a win in boys’ doubles, while Jayden Sedlacek and Elis Suarez advanced in mixed doubles.

The Hawks’ success was also reflected in the all-league honors. Max Guerrero, Haley Smith and Abby Lapp were named all-league players, while Gabe Oneugbu and Harrison Leipelt earned all-league honorable mention recognition.

As a team, Liberty Ranch advanced to the section playoffs, where the Hawks faced Riverbank in the opening round. Liberty Ranch lost 8-1, with Harrison Leipelt earning the team’s lone victory at singles. Riverbank went on to win the section title.

The individual section tournament was played at Oak Park in Stockton, bringing together some of the top players from across the region. Naveed and Smith continued their impressive postseason by winning their first-round match against a doubles team from Natomas. They later fell in the second round to a team from Bear River.

The season marked an important step forward for Liberty Ranch tennis, with experienced seniors leading the way and younger players showing they can compete at a high level.

“This team showed a lot of heart,” Behrmann said. “Whether it was seniors making one last run or freshmen stepping into big moments, they represented Liberty Ranch with pride. I’m really proud of what they accomplished.”

Galt High also had a strong showing in the SVC tournament. The Warriors’ boys’ doubles team won the league championship, defeating a tough Argonaut team in a close three-set battle. Edgar Zavala earned all-league honors for Galt, while Leopoldo Garcia and Angel Munoz received honorable mentions.