The California women’s tennis team made an impressive start to the new year, achieving remarkable success on the first day of the Rainbow Wahine Spring Invitational in Honolulu. The Golden Bears dominated singles matches with an 8-1 record and welcomed freshman Greta Greco Lucchina, who excelled in both singles and doubles during her collegiate debut. Despite facing strong competition, the Bears showcased their depth and talent, setting a positive tone for the tournament.

Golden Bears Dominate Singles Play

The Cal women's tennis team demonstrated exceptional skill in singles play, securing eight victories out of nine matches. Senior players led the charge, with Katja Wiersholm delivering a standout performance against UCLA’s Kimmi Hance. Other seniors, Jessica Alsola and Makenna Thiel, also secured straight-set wins, highlighting the experience and strength of the upperclassmen. Graduate student Cami Brown added another victory, while freshmen Naomi Xu and Sophie Hernandez contributed significantly, ensuring a balanced and formidable lineup.

On the opening day, the Bears were nearly flawless in singles competition. Ranked 35th, senior Katja Wiersholm set the pace with a decisive win over UCLA’s Kimmi Hance. Jessica Alsola and Makenna Thiel followed suit, each winning their respective matches in convincing fashion. Freshman Greta Greco Lucchina marked her college debut with a solid victory over Hawaii’s Peppi Ramstedt. Additionally, sophomore Tiziana-Marie Schomburg and freshmen Naomi Xu and Sophie Hernandez all emerged victorious, showcasing the team's depth. Only junior Berta Passola Folch faced a tough challenge, losing a close match to UCLA’s Elise Wagle. Overall, the singles performances reflected the team's readiness and competitive spirit.

Newcomers Impress in Debut Performance

Freshman Greta Greco Lucchina made an immediate impact in her collegiate debut, contributing to both singles and doubles victories. Her singles win over Hawaii’s Peppi Ramstedt was notable, demonstrating her potential and adaptability. In doubles, she paired successfully with Jessica Alsola, defeating Joelle Lanz and Emma Forgac from Hawaii. This early success bodes well for the future of the Cal women’s tennis program, as it integrates fresh talent into its roster.

Greta Greco Lucchina’s arrival has injected new energy into the team. Her singles triumph over Peppi Ramstedt highlighted her ability to handle pressure in high-stakes matches. In doubles, Greco Lucchina and Jessica Alsola formed a dynamic duo, overpowering their opponents with a 6-1 victory. This partnership not only provided immediate results but also signaled the promising development of the team’s doubles strategy. Meanwhile, other newcomers like Naomi Xu and Sophie Hernandez also delivered commendable performances, reinforcing the Bears' strength in depth. As the tournament progresses, these young players will be key contributors to the team’s continued success.