All the pressure was on Caitlin Mannix in San Marcos’ girls tennis opener on Thursday, as she was faced with a must-win situation at the end of the match with the Royals up 9-8 in sets. A loss would have made it 9-9 and San Marcos would have lost on games, but Mannix pulled it out for a 7-5 set win to lift the hosts to a 10-8 win over visiting Valencia.
Mannix broke Shenelle Trujillo’s serve to go up 6-5 in the set and finished it off from there to lift San Marcos to the narrow victory. It was one of only two singles sets won on the day, as the Royals did most of their damage by going 8-1 in doubles play. The teams of Amy Ransohoff/Christine Pearson and Amy Kinsella/Shelby Zylstra both went 3-0 while Liz Morris and Parisa Fallahi went 2-1.
First-year coach Megan Cotich said that the close win was a great way to kick off the season.
“We were tested from the start, and now hopefully they’ll have confidence going into these tight matches,” she said. “I have a lot of faith in our doubles, and we’re very deep there. Although the singles didn’t pick up as many wins I have a lot of faith in them as well.”
Next up for San Marcos is a home match against St. Bonaventure on Wednesday.
SAN MARCOS 10, VALENCIA 8
Singles — SM: Kiki Katsev 1-2, Caitlin Mannix 1-2, Chloe Maasen 0-3. V: Emily Fraczek 3-0, Clarice Fraczek 3-0, Shenelle Trujillo 1-2.
Doubles — SM: Amy Kinsella/Shelby Zylstra 3-0, Amy Ransohoff/Christine Pearson 3-0, Liz Morris/Parisa Fallahi 2-1. V: Ashley Karzin/Kirstie Kwock 1-2, Andrea Zammitt/Chelsie Dietz 0-3, Brigitta Benitez/Carolyn Thio 0-3.
Records — SM 1-0, V 0-1.
