Newport Coast, CA — Saturday at Sage Hill! Missing 3 of our starters, the Lions ventured out to Sage Hill for a Saturday 'friendly'. Our doubles were swept in the round one, with Elise and Sophia picking up 2 points in singles. Ava and Julianna along with Kira and Kylie came to life with round 2 doubles victories, coupled with 2 more singles wins by Elise and Sophia, gave the Lions a 4-2 edge, resulting in a 6-6 deadlock going in to round 3. Kira and Ava picked up a quick win vs Sage #3 duo, moving JSerra into a precarious 7-6 lead. Subbing at #3 doubles for starters Lauren and Sara, Sam and Annie fought hard before succumbing to Sage line #2, while Ava and Julianna had a tough loss vs Sage#1 team. Doubles was quick today and these matches were completed before singles even started their respective third round, JSerra now down 7 - 8. Coach Kirk says "I saw them all laughing as they counted total games [which is the tiebreaker for 9 - 9 ties] and saying they were up by 20 games, no problem. They were counting on getting the victory as their line 2 player was pitted against Mia, who had yet to win a set. Well, the one BIG problem they forgot about was Mia Carpino's will to win! Mia is the Bjorn Borg of girls high school tennis, nothing phases her!" A mildly hostile crowd lined her court, making the going tough at first. But, as Elise and Sophia completed their wins, all JSerra fans/players converged on her court as well, spurring her on to a 6-4 victory. Coach Kirk adds, "I don't think this group of JSerra players will lose to Sage throughout their tenure as Lions, largely due to this match." Go Lions! Keep up the good works!