The CIF Southern Section #23-ranked Cate girls’ tennis team defeated visiting Thacher School 17-1 in the battle of the boarding schools, taking one step closer to a 4th consecutive unbeaten Tri-Valley League season. Cate has now won every match against Thacher since 2014, despite Thacher claiming 2 CIF Division Titles during that same period.
How it Happened:
Cate was led by the usual suspects in singles, with Elizabeth Jayich, Ivy Huang, and Jade Wang all remaining undefeated in both TVL and CIFSS play this season. Senior Evita Ferrone and sophomore Margo Nicholas subbed in for Jayich and Wang in the final round, securing 6-0, 6-2 victories of their own against the top-2 Thacher singles lines.
In doubles, senior/freshman combo Lisa Hasebe and Kiki Chang also remained unbeaten on the season together, with a 6-0, 6-0, 6-0 showing at line #1. Elly Edwards returned to the doubles lineup for the Rams, taking set wins with Chelsea Newlove and Riya Mitera, before she gave way to senior Claire Tang (partnering with Mitera) in the third round for a 6-0 set-win. Seniors Edie Abbott and Gwendi Rogers went 2-1 on the day.
Coach Thorpe’s Comments:
This win puts us at 13-0 entering our final week of the regular season, but more important is what we’ve been able to take from each victory. Our doubles players especially are growing in confidence and looking for those opportunities to be aggressive at net.
I’m also pleased with the way the whole team is serving at this point in the season; it’s rare to see a double fault from our team, and when you do see it, it’s usually preceded or proceeded by an ace or unreturnable serve.
We’re not taking any opportunities to compete and improve for granted and that’s an indicator of our team’s intention to make a deep playoff run this season, regardless of the CIF Division into which we get placed.
What’s Next for Cate Girls’ Tennis?
Cate has a fun practice with family planned for tomorrow before returning to action next Thursday at home for a senior day and regular season finale match against TVL #2-ranked Laguna Blanca School.
