SMC Women's Tennis Wins First State Title

The Santa Monica College women's tennis team has been the favorite ever since the playoffs began and the added pressure proved not to bother the Corsairs one bit. They completed their quest to capture the state title in dominating fashion Thursday with a 5-1 victory over Sierra College at Sierra Sport & Racquet Club in Fresno. 

The Corsairs easily dispatched the Northern California Regional champions, who won the 2007 state championship. SMC never had to play a doubles match in its four playoff wins, having secured enough points in the singles round to make doubles unecessary. 

“I’m delighted and it was just an amazing year for a great group of women,” SMC head coach Richard Goldenson said. “They were ready to play yesterday and couldn’t wait to get here."  

Katerina Mozolyuk showed why she is the No. 1-ranked singles player in the state, making quick work of Sierra's Kelsey Chrisco, 6-2, 6-0. Criss Rodriguez won 6-4, 6-1 at No. 2 singles, Krystal Hansard won 6-2, 6-1 at No. 3 singles, Jutta Collet won 7-5, 6-2 at No. 4 singles and Gwendolyn Kauffmann won 7-5, 6-2 at the fifth spot. Hanna Sacher suffered the Corsairs' only singles loss, 6-2, 6-2, at the No. 6 spot. 

Dual scoring is a best-of-nine format, with six singles and three doubles matches each worth one point. The first team to five points wins.

“We just got overmatched," Sierra Coach Steve Dunmore said. "Their players are more experienced. We had hoped to do better but overall it was a great season.”

With its first-ever team championship secured, SMC players now set their sights on the Individuals tournament Friday and Saturday, also at Sierra Sport and Racquet Club.   

STATE DUAL TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

Thursday, May 12 @ Sierra Sport & Racquet Club

Santa Monica College 5, Sierra College 1

Singles

1. Katerina Mozolyuk, SMC, d. Kelsey Chrisco, 6-2, 6-0                        

2. Criss Rodriguez, SMC, d. Madison White, 6-4, 6-1                                

3. Krystal Hansard, SMC, d. Natalie Davis, 6-2, 6-1                                                   

4. Jutta Collet, SMC, d. Courtney Chance, 7-5, 6-2                                          

5. Gwendolyn Kauffmann, SMC, d. Ariana Paridas, 7-5, 6-2                                  

6. Allie Madson, SC, d. Hanna Sacher, 6-3, 6-2

Doubles

Not necessary

Records: Sierra 13-1; Santa Monica 18-1