McClatchy women’s tennis team took home the title of Metro Champs after defeating various teams within the district.
The Metro Conference Tournament took place at Natomas Racquet Club, where teams competed for the title of Metro Champs and a spot in the CIF Sectional Tournament. In Flight A for singles, Shirley Kwong (‘18) and Daisy Lewis (‘19) defeated all of their opponents, making it to the final round of the tournament and qualifying for the Sectional Tournament in November. In Flight B for singles, Ginger Harris (‘18) dominated against her opponents with solid scores up to the final round.
Team Captain Catherine Kong (‘16) and her partner defeated their opponents in Flight A for doubles, coming out as victors in the final round, and qualified to compete in the Sectional Tournament. Clara Ginnell (‘17) and Kylea Wong (‘17) advanced up until the final round and also qualified to compete in the Sectional Tournament. In Flight B, Taylor Goto (‘16) and Debby He (‘18) had steady victories against all of their opponents in their flight.
McClatchy women’s tennis has won the conference title for the past 8 years, and continues to uphold their title as champions. The team has slowly grown over the years, with a team of 45 girls total this season.
Head Coach Willard Hom was impressed with the victories that the team pulled out this year, as well as the progress of the team overall, despite the overwhelming number of girls.
“Although we haven’t completed the season yet, I believe that the 2015 team has really amazed people in two major respects,” says Coach Hom, “First, we lost 6 of our top 7 players from the 2014 team. That kind of loss in talent usually means a big downturn for a team. So, contrary to expectations, the 2015 team has surprised everyone with their impressive wins. Second, the team rostered 45 girls this season. The headcount by itself is noteworthy but this team maintained its progress, effort, focus, and enjoyment.”
Daisy Lewis (‘19) has made remarkable progress this season, making the varsity team as well as qualifying for the sectional tournament as a freshman. However, she admits that she didn’t make it this far without some concerns, stating, “I was so nervous when I first saw everyone. I started out and didn’t have much match experience, so that scared me, but it was an experience and I got more confident over the season. I felt really good because I got to see myself grow over the season and I got to play some singles which was surprising.”
Even as the season comes to an end, the team continues to take on many challenges. The girls who advanced to the Section Tournament played against tough opponents. Singles players Shirley Kwong (‘18) and Daisy Lewis (‘19) were able to advance one round before facing defeat, along with the rest of their teammates. However, the Varsity team is still in the game, defeating Bella Vista in the Quarterfinals and Rio Americano in the Semifinals. The team moves on to face Consumnes Oaks in the Finals.
Captain Catherine Kong (‘16) believes that this season went very well for the team so far, saying, “I think our team did really well. We played really steady and consistent, with good sportsmanship.”
Along with a headcount of 45 girls, the team includes 5 coaches who direct practice and support the girls with advice and tips during the games. “Our coaches are very supportive,” says number one player, Shirley Kwong (‘18), “And our whole team is just like a family.”