Buoyed by the doubles players, East Union’s girls tennis team came from behind to knock off visiting Sierra in the Valley Oak League opener for both teams on Tuesday.

It was also the debut match for head coaches of both squads, with Sarah Sanguinetti now in charge at East Union and Ed Melfort guiding Sierra.

“I am very proud of my girls starting the season off with a win and having fun at the same time,” Sanguinetti said.

Sierra led 4-2 after the singles matches were finished. It came down to No. 2 doubles, as East Union’s Patricia Tajii and Clarissa Lecce defeated Sierra’s Veronica Pranada and Louisa Hunter, 6-4, 4-6, 6-1. Margarita Navarrette and Natalie Karim won 8-6, 6-2 at No. 1 doubles, and Marilyn Civil and Cynthia Civil prevailed, 6-3, 6-4.

East Union also received a big boost at No. 2 singles, as Alexis Phillips took over after dropping the opening set, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3. Fabiola Magana (6-2, 6-4) picked up another needed win in the No. 5 match.

Sierra’s Claire Banks rolled 6-0, 6-0 in the No. 1 duel against Araceli Gonzalez. Kelly Bacon (7-5, 6-2), Kat Malabanan (6-3, 6-4) and Carly  Cunial (6-4, 6-3) also earned team points for the Timberwolves, who take on their other cross-town rival Manteca on Thursday. East Union also gets a tough assignment with a road trip to Oakdale.