GHS girls tennis team sweeps past N. Salinas for fourth straight
victory
GILROY – Coming off its biggest win of the early season over perennial league champ Notre Dame, the first-place Lady Mustang tennis team returned to the courts in dominant fashion – sweeping North Salinas by a 7-0 spread.
“They’re improving and getting their rythmn,” said head coach Jennifer Yoder of her troops. “They are ready to go. They are playing strong. They are tough this year.”
The Lady Mustangs’ unbeaten streak reached four games Thursday with an anticipated rivalry match against Live Oak scheduled for Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. in Morgan Hill.
“They played to the ocassion this afternoon,” Yoder said.
Senior Catherine Wilson – who took over the top singles spot from teammate Valerie Huang in a challenge match on Monday – stepped up for her first No. 1 victory with a 6-3, 6-0 decision.
“That’s how they’re going to get better,” said Yoder of the intrasquad challenge. “(Wilson) looked real good. She played an all-court game. She definitely outplayed her opponent.”
Huang – who will have a chance to reclaim the top singles slot before Tuesday’s road match – dominated in her new No. 2 position with a 6-2, 6-0 victory.
“She was very comfortable at the No. 2 position,” said Yoder of Huang.
Senior Mindy Marquez continued to be on the top of her game – winning in straight sets, 6-2, 6-0.
“(Marquez) cruised through easily,” Yoder said. “She was on her own. She played awesome.”
In the No. 4 singles match-up, senior Megan Leuchars shook off her staggered start for a 6-4, 6-2 victory to complete the singles sweep.
“She played well. She played smart tennis. She had fun,” said Yoder of Leuchars. “She started slow. Then she started playing one point at a time.”
The Lady Mustang top tandem of seniors Amy Thomas and Alicia Shurley also won in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6 (10-8).
“That was only their third match together. They really started to communicate and get along,” Yoder said. “They are getting each other’s rythm.”
Senior Jackie Morales and junior Anna Nguyen strolled to a 6-1, 6-2 decision in the No. 2 doubles position, while the duo of junior Tasha LoPorto and senior Amanda Alaimo, playing her first varsity match, rolled to a 6-0, 6-4 victory.
