Photo courtesy of Sandra Hsieh

Tennis:

Entering their second playoff match in as many days, the Lady Minutemen were physically sore and mentally tired after yesterday’s intense and physical nail-biting win over Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, 9-9(78-77).

Yet, they didn’t want to squander the opportunity they felt they were granted to play another day, so they “dug deep” and continued their inspired play.

The match started competitively, with Maranatha holding on to a 3-2 lead, when #1 singles, Grace Yang, was tied, 5-5, after holding a 5-2 advantage.

Knowing that this was a crucial set, both teams watched intently, as Yang held on to win, 7-5, to give the Lady Minutemen a 4-2 edge.

Watching their top player fall seemed to take the wind out of the Lions’ sails.

Maranatha was able to take advantage of the slight drop in spirit to close out the second round, 5-1, giving the Lady Minutemen a nearly insurmountable 9-3 lead.

The singles trio of Yang, Hannah Su, and Sarah Fong led the way, as they swept their sets, going a perfect 9-0.

Each set against the Lions’ top player was a close affair, but they each managed to play the big points well enough to win, 7-5, 7-6(7), 6-4.

Doubles was paced today by #2 Peony Liu/Catherine Hayes, who swept their sets, 7-6(5), 6-4, 6-2, while #1 Jennifer Chu/Natalia Kalajian posted two wins, 6-4, 6-1.

Up next: With the win, the upstart Lady Minutemen unpredictably find themselves in the quarterfinals on Monday, where they will host St. Margaret’s Episcopal, who defeated Burroughs/Ridgecrest today, 13-5.