Girls Go for the Gold, Get Silver

By Sara Gold

On Fri., Dec. 4, singles player Alyssa Smith, a freshman, competed in the semifinals of CIF Individuals. She proceeded through the Round of 16 and subsequent quarterfinals on Dec. 3 after winning three consecutive rounds on Nov. 20. In the semifinal round, A. Smith lost 4-6, 4-6 to Krista Hardebeck. A sophomore at El Modena High School, Hardebeck is currently ranked the number one tenth-grade female tennis player in California. “We both played really well, and I was happy with the way I played,” reflected A. Smith. “The match could have gone either way, but the win went to her [Hardebeck] that day.” Junior Joanna Smith competed Dec. 3 in the quarterfinals, in which she lost 2-6, 1-6 to Campbell Hall junior Sabrina Santamaria. Santamaria is currently ranked the number four eleventh-grade female tennis player in California. “Sabrina [Santamaria] has a big forehand and is a very aggressive player. I didn’t play my best against her, but she is still a really good player,” recalled J. Smith. “Overall, I am so excited that I made it that far, and I am glad I got to be a part of it.” Two doubles teams also represented Dana Hills in the CIF Individuals: freshmen Jessie Perez and Cassidy Spearman in addition to junior Rebecca Winkle and senior Laura Wilke. “Having four Dana Hills players represent the South Coast League in Individuals really reflects the strength of our tennis program,” commented coach Jim Wilson. Spearman and Perez won the first three rounds but lost in the quarterfinals to sisters Della and Ella Taylor of Redondo Union High School. In the third round of competition on Nov. 20, Wilke and Winkle lost to a doubles team from University High. Another narrow loss occurred on Mon., Nov. 23 when the Dolphins competed against Campbell Hall for the CIF team championship title. Campbell Hall took home the victory, 10-8. “It was a tough match, but we were all really excited and our coaches were extremely supportive,” said Perez. J. Smith added, “We’re all proud of ourselves for making it to the finals, even though it was a disappointing loss.” The Dolphin team was able to proceed to the final round of CIF by winning the semifinals on Thurs., Nov. 19. Dana Hills triumphed over Corona Del Mar, 11-7. Commented A. Smith, “Since we were really pumped and really focused, everyone stepped up and played their hearts out.”