Cate’s Julia Gan led the Rams to a big win on Thursday. (Presidio Sports Photo)
A handful of quality wins sent Cate to a 10-8 victory over defending Tri-Valley League champion La Reina.
Madeleine Nelson was promoted into the starting lineup this week and persevered through the first two rounds before winning the match-clinching set, 7-5, in the final round. Rams head coach also Trevor Thorpe singled out Annie Lu, who was elevated from the junior varsity team this week, for delivering a key victory.
“Lu played possessed, chasing down balls and fighting for points in a way that had not yet been seen from her. Today, Annie Lu truly became a tennis player,” Thorpe reported.
The Rams had to contend with La Reina’s Sophia Aulicino currently ranked #71 in California for her class, and Natalie Greco, another nationally ranked player.
Cate’s No. 1 singles player, Julia Gan, knocked off Aulicino 6-4 on the way to a 3-0 day.
McKenna Madden and junior Summer Christensen led the doubles effort, teaming for a three-set sweep.
Cate’s next match is at Carpinteria a week from today.
