The Bears closed out the last tournament of the fall season in a truly remarkable manner. They not only earned a new title but also showcased their unwavering grit on a national stage. Senior Katja Wiersholm emerged as a standout star, advancing to the singles round of 16 in the NCAA Championships and receiving an All-American honor. This remarkable achievement was a testament to her exceptional skills and determination.

NCAA Championships: A New Format and Challenges

The NCAA Singles and Doubles Championship, hosted at Baylor’s Hurd Tennis Center in Waco, Texas, came to an end after a three-day event starting on Nov. 19. The NCAA committee introduced a new program to organize the singles and doubles championships in the fall, with the team championships held in the spring – an opposite of the usual schedule. This change presented a unique set of challenges for the Cal team.Cal head coach Amanda Augustus spoke about the team’s ability to adapt and adjust their game. “For the seniors to face such a format change in their last year… they have handled it remarkably well,” Augustus said. “Having three of our seniors at the NCAA tournament shows how resilient our students are and how they can pivot and figure things out.”Before the NCAA Championships, Cal participated in three sectional tournaments. This experience tested the team’s resilience and served as a good turning point for the players. “I think that weekend, trying to get everyone to three events and staying connected despite being separated, we were still very much a team. I was happy to see that,” Augustus said. “I knew it would serve us well this week.”

Singles Round: Standout Performances and Close Matches

Cal opened strongly in the round of 64, with all three singles qualifiers advancing. Senior Lan Mi defeated Kaitlyn Carnicella of South Carolina in a thrilling three-setter, 5-7, 6-2, 6-2. Sophomore Mao Mushika swept Auburn’s Angella Okutoyi in a straight set, 6-3, 6-2. Despite her quick singles win, Mushika had to remain composed for a doubles showdown the following day.Wiersholm began her singles run with a tied set, 4-4, against Wichita State’s Xin Tong Wang. Wang then retired from the competition. Although the opening round was shortened, Wiersholm’s skills, which she had developed throughout her collegiate career, were put to the test in a close match against South Carolina’s 10th-ranked Sarah Hamner, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(6), and she emerged victorious. “(Wiersholm) played in the NCAA tournament in May and lost a close three-setter there. So, I think when she looks back, she’ll realize she was able to achieve All-American status in singles,” Augustus said. “I also think she’s a very good doubles player.”

Doubles Round: Tough Battles and Lessons Learned

The other three Bears faced tough competition and were unable to secure victories. Mi and Mushika were edged out by their opponents, Luciana Perry of Ohio State, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4. Mushika also suffered a loss in doubles with senior Jessica Alsola when they fell to UCLA’s top-seeded Kimmi Hance and Elise Wagle, 6-3, 6-3. These losses served as valuable lessons for the team as they prepare for the spring season.Wiersholm, the last Bear standing, unfortunately lost in the postseason campaign to Auburn’s DJ Bennett 7-6(5), 6-3, ending Cal’s showing on the national stage on Thursday night. Despite falling short a year prior in doubles, her comeback to the tournament was the deepest run of her NCAA career and an accomplishment for the entire Cal team.“I think all the players, if they didn’t achieve (All-American status) here, they can still achieve it in singles and doubles in their year-end status queue,” Augustus said.The tournament marked a season of growth and redirection for the Bears. They continue to demonstrate their camaraderie and talent. With coaching experience for both the women’s and men’s teams, Augustus highlighted the unity and support from each other as a driving factor in Cal’s success on and off the courts. “(I am) happy to see such a large Cal contingent at the championships. I think that’s good, representing the university and the athletic department,” Augustus said. “I think tennis, we’re like a family… I was also proud of (the men’s team) to see how far they’ve come. Yeah, they’re special to me in addition to my own players.”Looking ahead, Augustus emphasized the need to refine their doubles play as the team gears up for the spring. With the first half of the year behind them, the Bears are ready for a promising spring season, fueled by a well-deserved break to recuperate. As they transition to the next phase and format, Cal’s adaptability and team spirit will continue to enhance their game.