Santa Barbara High girls tennis captured the CIF-SS Div. 3 championship with a 12-6 victory over Santa Monica on Friday at the University of Redlands.
“We have been putting so much love, sweat and tears into our games for the past three months, and today was the result of that work,” Dons senior Caitlyn Buist said. “We showed up today ready to leave everything on the court and bring the best team spirit and we did.
“I am so proud of how much we have grown individually and into the team and family we are now.”
The Dons won the championship match on the backs of their doubles play, as all three duos of Caitlyn Buist/Emma Hine, Ella Weathers/Juliana Aviani and Kate Hashbarger/Lucy Kronberg went 3-0.
“Caitlyn and Emma steamrolled through the doubles rounds with ferocity and an impressive mix of power and creativity,” Santa Barbara coach Danny Echt said. “Seeing Caitlyn dominate in a CIF final demonstrates the kind of focus and determination that she brings to the squad.
“All season she has led by example, worked hard always with a smile and a great respect for the game, her mates/opponents and the coaches.”
The rest of the Dons’ points came courtesy of Nicole Buist, who swept her singles matchups.
“Nicole has been successful and patient in her attacking style which led her to be the Channel League singles MVP,” Echt said. “Her game management and mental toughness made a huge difference in the Finals.”
Santa Barbara High ends its historic season with an overall record of 24-5.