Over the course of the fall sports season, Pacific Grove’s girls tennis put up a series of incredible performances ending in an undefeated league title, not to mention dominant performances from several players boasting flawless personal records.
Throughout the entirety of the early season, the girls tennis team dominated their matches, winning 7-0 against opponents from Gonzales, North Salinas, and Everett Alverez. The depth of the team was fully demonstrated during a match versus the #3 ranked team, North Salinas, over break on October 17th. Despite missing a large chunk of the starting varsity lineup, several JV players rose to the occasion in order to secure the 4-3 victory over the Vikings.
As the end of the season drew nearer, a highly-anticipated match against the undefeated Monterey awaited the team on October 22nd. Team captain Helen Hanalla shares that “…we were both undefeated teams. Neither team had lost a single match, and that day would change their streak.” The undefeated Monterey fell to the Breakers in a 4-3 victory for PG. The last game of the season was played two days later, once again against the now #2 ranked Monterey. A loss in this match would make PG and Monterey tied again for League Champion, leaving the title up to a mere coin toss. That night, as matches finished one by one, tensions increased. Victory by doubles partners juniors Sophia Spivey and Yeva Yevdash and freshmen Ayanna Yanez and Sienna Archer, as well as a singles win from Helen Hanalla, led to high hopes for a win. However, Monterey gained several wins as well, making the score an even 3-3 match split as the final doubles game continued. In a dramatic finish to the night, doubles partners Scarlett Whitman and Ella Smith won the decisive final match against odds, securing Pacific Grove’s triumph over Monterey.
The matches played on October 24th were in honor of the girls tennis’ fantastic seniors. Players Mauna Mohammadi, Helen Hanalla, Ella Smith, Jasmine Samuels, Leilani Westmoreland, Maia Lo, Yoona Yun, Tyra Liljegard, and Angela Liu were recognized not only for their seniority, but also because “[they] inspire me every day and every practice,” shared captain Yeva Yevdash, “they’re such a great energy to be around and cause the most laughter amongst the team, yet they are the most hardworking and determined tennis players I know. They are laying the foundation of what a great team looks like. I love them so much.” Additionally, senior Helen Hanalla and freshman Scarlett Whitman were recognized for being undefeated in singles matches, while doubles partners Yeva Yevdash and Sophia Spivey and Ayanna Yanez and Sienna Archer also maintained perfect records.
With their undefeated season now in the books and ranked 6th in the Monterey Bay area by the Monterey Herald, Pacific Grove’s girls tennis team prepares to say farewell to the seniors as they look to continue their momentum into the postseason and seasons to come.
