The California women's tennis team made a remarkable start to the Cal Winter Invitational, showcasing their prowess both in doubles and singles matches. Held at the Hellman Tennis Complex and Channing Tennis Courts, the Golden Bears dominated the competition with all four doubles victories and an impressive 8-1 record in singles. The event marked the first home appearance for the Bears in 2025, highlighting the strength of their squad, including several nationally ranked players.
Bears Dominate Doubles Matches
The doubles matches on Friday morning set the tone for the weekend, with the Golden Bears securing all four victories. Each pair demonstrated exceptional teamwork and skill. Notably, Jessica Alsola and Katja Wiersholm secured a decisive win against Cal Poly's duo, while Berta Passola Folch and newcomer Greta Greco Lucchina delivered a flawless performance. Lan Mi and Tiziana-Marie Schomburg also contributed significantly by overcoming Saint Mary’s opponents. Cami Brown and Mao Mushika completed the sweep with another solid victory.
The morning session was a testament to the depth and talent within the Cal team. Jessica Alsola and Katja Wiersholm led the charge with a commanding 6-2 win over Kennedy Buntrock and Romane Mosse from Cal Poly. On court two, the Bears' pairing of Berta Passola Folch and Greta Greco Lucchina, who played her first match in Berkeley, triumphed 6-0 against Jessica MacCallum and Alexandra Ozerets. Lan Mi and Tiziana-Marie Schomburg followed suit with a 6-3 victory over Saint Mary’s Tiana Fox and MiaAngelina Ruja. Finally, Cami Brown and Mao Mushika sealed the deal with a 6-4 win over the same Cal Poly duo of MacCallum and Ozerets. This series of wins highlighted the synergy and coordination among the Cal players, setting a strong foundation for the rest of the tournament.
Singles Success Continues into Afternoon
The momentum from the morning carried into the afternoon as the Bears continued their dominance in singles play. Several nationally ranked players added to the team's success, contributing significant victories. Freshman Greta Greco Lucchina made a memorable debut with her singles win, demonstrating her potential. Other standout performances came from seasoned players like Berta Passola Folch, Lan Mi, Mao Mushika, and Katja Wiersholm, who all showcased their ranking-worthy skills.
In the singles matches that followed, the Bears maintained their high level of play. Greta Greco Lucchina, making her singles debut in Berkeley, defeated Alexandra Ozerets from Cal Poly 6-3, 6-2. The nationally ranked players shone brightly: Berta Passola Folch (ranked 81st) beat MiaAngelina Ruja from Saint Mary’s 6-4, 6-3; Lan Mi (ranked 63rd) secured a 6-2, 6-1 win over Juliette Daries; Mao Mushika (ranked 71st) dominated Romane Mosse 6-1, 6-1; and Katja Wiersholm (ranked 35th) closed out the day with a 7-5, 6-3 victory over Kennedy Buntrock. These results not only underscored the individual talent within the Cal team but also emphasized their collective strength as a unit. The Cal Winter Invitational promises more thrilling action as it continues into the next days.