“[University] was a really good team,” Matsuoka said of the opponent, ranked No. 4 in the CIF Southern Section Division I coaches’ poll. “But it just shows that we went above and beyond.”
The Sea Kings (13-0, 7-0 in league), ranked No. 1 in CIF Division I, really did.
Freshman Katelyn Nguyen also swept in singles, helping offset the absence of senior Paige Polizois. She was there to support her teammates, but CdM Coach Brian Ricker said Polizois was taking it easy after being involved in a minor car accident Monday.
“Melissa and Katelyn were bright spots,” Ricker said. “We have to have some strong singles in the playoffs, if we’re going to be successful.”
Still, Nguyen’s third match against Uni sophomore Elika Fateri wasn’t without drama as Nguyen called for a line judge early on.
“You just started,” Ricker said. “Did you play a point yet?”
Nguyen could smile about it after the match.
“The first point, we had a rally going on, and I guess she called it out,” Nguyen said. “I clearly thought it was in. I only call a line judge when I know it’s for sure in. If I’m not sure, then I’ll let it go, but that one I was pretty sure.”
The Sea Kings’ top two doubles teams also left no doubt. Seniors Danielle Kaiden and Lindsay Zotovich swept, and they’re now 35-0 on the season.
Senior Karen Ishii and junior Kelli Feeley, who also swept, are now 35-1.
