Tennis

• The Troubadour tennis team advanced to the Sac-Joaquin Section quarterfinals for the second consecutive season before losing 5-4 at St. Mary’s. They team advanced in the playoffs with wins over Franklin (S) and Gregori of Modesto.
• The team posted a 14-4 overall record under Kristi Spector, including a 10-2 Delta League mark to finish second.
• Junior Avery Spector earned all-league honors for the second consecutive season, posting a 9-6 record at No. 1 singles for the Troubadours. She reached the Delta League singles finals for the second consecutive season.

STOCKTON, Calif. – The St. Francis tennis team lost a tough 5-4 match to St. Mary’s in the quarterfinals of the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Championships. St. Mary’s advanced to face Del Oro in the semifinals.

“I gathered the girls after the match and looking at all of their faces, I told them I was so proud of how hard they worked all season long,” said Head Coach Kristi Spector. “For such a young team, they came together and improved drastically all season.”

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Sophomore Annie Gianulias likes to unleash her hard serve on game and match points and she has had plenty of practice during an undefeated sophomore season for the Troubadour tennis program.

“If it is match or game point, I like to hit my serve really hard to try for an ace or get a really good shot,” said Gianulias.

Gianulias posted a 6-0, 6-2 win over Daniela Pantoja of Franklin of Stockton at No. 5 singles to improve to 14-0 on the season Monday.

NATOMAS, Calif. – Freshmen Kiya and Kyla Jackson paired to reach the semifinals of the Delta League doubles before falling to the pair of Cat Paw U and Lauren Duan of Davis 6-1, 7-6 (10-8) in a close match highlighting a day of play at the Natomas Racquet Club Wednesday.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The St. Francis tennis program opens play in the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs on Monday, Nov. 3 against the No. 3 seed Franklin of Stockton from the San Joaquin Athletic Association. The Troubadours will host the first-round matchup at Rio del Oro Racquet Club beginning at 2 p.m. 

The Troubadours posted a 12-3 record on the season, including a 10-2 mark in the Delta League to finish in second place for the second consecutive season. The top 3 teams in the league qualified for the Division I bracket.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Senior tennis player Alyse Andre is the lone senior on the St. Francis team but her impact has extended well beyond a strong forehand or doubles win.

“Alyse as our only senior more than anything has brought enthusiasm and a fun, free spirit,” said Head Coach Kristi Spector. “She has always been a doubles or an exhibition player; she never had one of the top singles spots but she has always been positive and encouraging while taking the younger girls under her wing.”

Andre’s influence is evident on and off the court with her teammates.

ELK GROVE, Calif. – Freshman Kyla Jackson posted a 6-0, 6-0 win at No. 2 singles as St. Francis won five of six singles matches to post a 6-3 win over Elk Grove on Wednesday.

St. Francis improved to 9-3 on the season and 7-2 in the Delta League.

Jackson led the charge in singles. Freshman Marisa Fat won 6-2, 6-2 at No. 3 singles, while Annie Gianulias was victorious at No. 4. Sophomore Abby Benvenuti record a win at No. 5 singles and sophomore Megan Khan lost just a single game in a 6-1, 6-0 win at No. 6.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Freshman Marisa Fat is accustomed to competing by herself. But the Sacramento native is enjoying being part of a team and is playing a big role in the success of the St. Francis tennis team.

“It has been really fun and I actually enjoy it a lot,” said Fat. “Even though tennis is an individual sport, I like the experience of being on a team and having people that support you. It has been really good.”