COLUSA, CA (MPG) – For the fourth year in a row the RedHawk tennis team concluded the regular season as the Sacramento Valley League champions after sweeping seven of their eight conference matches.
Setting the tone this season has been a trio that includes senior Janell Garcia, junior Ilyali Cruz and senior Emily Lopez, who held down the top three respective positions in the Colusa ladder and anchored the doubles pairings as well.
A pleasant surprise for the RedHawks came in the form of Hirami Ochiai, an exchange student from Japan and the No. 4 this season, while junior Charlotte Stever and sophomore Viviana Trejo were also major contributors.
Coach Melissa Michalk said she couldn’t be more pleased with her squad’s effort although its somewhat bittersweet given her seniors will be moving on.
“My girls worked really hard all season to remain league champions. I am super proud of this year’s team, but sad to lose the seniors, most of whom have been with me since freshman year. They just have a love of the game.”
Next up for Colusa (11-2, 8-0) was the SVL individual tournament on Oct. 12-13, which was followed by the Northern Section team playoffs on Oct. 14.