Chabot's Koloski captures singles, Mt. SAC's Valenzuela and Vich win doubles at 3C2A Women's Tennis Championships
OJAI - The 3C2A Women's Tennis Singles Championship featured two aggressive freshman baseliners, Mina Koloski of Chabot College and Aileena Hu of American River College
Koloski, a standout from Las Lomas High School in Walnut Creek, CA, entered the match with an undefeated record of 20-0 in singles, a near-perfect 18-1 in doubles, and the Coast Conference individual title.
Aileena Hu, hailing from Elk Grove High School, also had an impressive season. Playing at the #1 slot, Hu led the American River Beavers to their third consecutive 3C2A state title. She entered this match hoping to replicate former Beaver Nahreen Cheam’s Ojai title in singles last year.
Hu started strong, staying consistent and capitalizing on uncharacteristic errors from Koloski. Whether it was due to nerves, the weather, or a combination of both, Koloski struggled to find her rhythm, allowing Hu to take the first set 6-3.
After two brief rain delays, each lasting about 13 minutes, Koloski started to find her shots. The momentum slowly started to shift, as Koloski cut down on her unforced errors, and her shots started to land deeper at the baseline. While Hu effectively used slices and drop shots to draw Koloski to the net—a position she prefers to avoid—Koloski’s improved footwork allowed her to drive her forehand from waist level, as opposed to below her knees. With a more energetic court presence, Koloski takes the second set, 6-3.
In a deciding third set, confidence often becomes the difference maker. Koloski, now walking around with more pep, dictated both the ball and the pace of the game. A strategic adjustment was also implemented: a focus on a higher first-serve percentage, even if it meant sacrificing pace, but placed to the opponent’s weaker side. This strategy lessens the chances of Hu attacking a second serve, therefore controlling the point from the second ball struck.
The match evolved into a classic baseline battle, with each player seeking to strike first and follow up with a decisive shot. Koloski’s adaptability and the coaching staff’s tactical changes proved to be the difference-maker. A blistering backhand down the line sealed the 6-3 third-set victory and the championship for Koloski.
In doubles play, Callie Tzab and Yoshino Fujita from Santa Barbara City College faced the defending 3C2A State Doubles Champions, Paige Valenzuela and Julianna Vich of Mt. San Antonio College.
With the winds picking up, lob shots became a key tactic. Vich and Valenzuela effectively used lobs to reset points when under pressure, which was pivotal in their 6-2 first-set win.
Despite the effort from Tzab and Fujita, Mt. SAC’s strong return of serve was a crucial factor. In doubles, the first two shots of a rally often dictate the outcome. Effective returns allowed Vich and Valenzuela to control the net, frequently poaching balls. While net play was generally even, the superior return of serve helped Vich and Valenzuela secure the second set 7-5, earning back-to-back titles for Mt. San Antonio College.
(Bo Navarro, CCCSIA)