Bobcats fall in quarters

The Saddleback women's tennis team saw its playoff run come to an end with a 2-7 defeat at Bakersfield College on Tuesday in Bakersfield.  The Bobcats will now have individuals and doubles teams compete at the state tournament at the end of the month.

Saddleback made the playoffs for the first time in 12 years but the playoff run was cut short on Tuesday in Bakersfield.  The Bobcats played gamely, but couldn't keep pace against the No. 3 seed in the CCCAA Southern California Regional Tournament. 

Bakersfield took a 2-1 lead after doubles play, despite Saddleback playing well and keeping things close.  The Bobcats took a point at No. 3 doubles when Kavelle Tomaiko and Emily West defeated their opponents 8-6.  Unfortunately, the No. 1 doubles team of Sydney Grove and Ainsley Beresford came up a little short (8-5) as the Bobcats fell behind heading into singles play.

Saddleback played tough throughout singles play, but couldn't seem to catch a break.  They dropped close matches at No. 3 and No. 5 singles, which derailed any plans of an upset.  The Bobcats broke through with a win from Beresford at No. 2 singles (6-5, 5-7, 11-9), but were unable to muster up any other points along the way.

Saddleback finishes the season at 8-3 overall for the season.  The Bobcats will have all six players from Tuesday playing in the CCCAA State Tournament from March 27-30.  All three doubles teams advanced to the state tournament while both Grove and Beresford will also play in singles competition.