Seven Bulldog tennis players advance to CIF Tournament
By Bill Tamburrino
At the Valley League Singles and Doubles Tournament, seven Bulldog girls earned the right to advance to the CIF Singles and Doubles Tournament.
“This has to be one of the largest contingents to advance to the CIF Tournament from Ramona High School. Seven Lady Bulldogs will advance,” said an elated Coach Matt McCormick.
Three individuals will move on to the CIF singles tournament.
Jessica Failla cruised through the Valley League tournament and won the individual championship. The University of Southern California-bound junior is the first Lady Bulldog to earn a league championship.
“Jessica has had an amazing season, she has not lost a set and only has given up two games the entire season. She is a champion in every sense of the word. She works hard, plays hard and she has a very good chance to win the CIF individual championship,“ said McCormick.
Megan Douglass took third place in the Valley League and will advance to the CIF tournament.
Caroline Lopresti, who played mostly doubles during the regular season, entered the Valley League Singles tournament and came in fifth place to earn a berth in the CIF tourney.
Doubles play has been a strength during dual matches and the Lady Dawg doubles teams continued to shine in the Valley League tournament. The team of Lauren Dunker and Rebecca Vaca battled to the semifinals. The semifinal match took two days to complete and the team originally was declared in third place but McCormick protested on the basis of a technicality and they were then declared tied for second place. Cassidy Owens and Danielle Vizcarra advanced to the semifinals and then took third place. Both doubles teams will move on to the CIF tourney.
“The girls all played hard and performed incredibly well. We will now practice for the CIF tournament that will take place at the Barnes Tennis Center from Nov. 12 to the 16. Any fan of tennis would be amazed at the quality of play and the excellent venue at the Barnes Tennis Center. Come down and support our student/athletes and enjoy some excellent tennis,” said McCormick.
Ramona High’s girls tennis team was the 2013 Valley League tennis champions.