Santa Barbara High advanced to the finals of the top division at the California Tennis Classic in Fresno and came out on the short end of a 4-3 decision against Corona del Mar.
The Dons went 3-1 in the tournament, which draws more than 100 teams from throughout the state. The tourney is broken down into eight divisions based on team strength.
Santa Barbara defeated San Ramon 7-0, Archbishop Mitty 4-3 and Saratoga 4-3 to reach the finals for the first time in the six years it has been coming to the tournament.
“This is a great early test for our girls,” Dons coach Greg Tebbe said. “The outside temperature exceeded 100 degrees on the final day and our girls had to play two matches each day. There is plenty of great tennis and this really prepares us for the upcoming dual match season.”
The Dons were led by seniors Mattea Kilstofte and Madison Hale, who both went 4-0 in their singles matches. Senior Summer Garrison had a 3-1 record. Marianna Alera, Maddie Cuttler, Claire Casey, Carolina Turri, and Mackenzie Monroe also contributed big wins.
Santa Barbara opens its dual match season at Westlake on Sept. 11.
