The California women's tennis team is making waves as they send three Golden Bears to the prestigious NCAA Singles Championship and one dynamic duo to the NCAA Doubles Championship. This remarkable achievement showcases the depth and talent within the program, as they match their individual postseason qualifiers from the previous season.

Elevating the Game: Cal's NCAA Qualifiers Shine Bright

Mushika and Alsola Secure Doubles Berth

Sophomore Mao Mushika and senior Jessica Alsola have already made their mark, becoming the first Bears to qualify for the postseason. The dynamic duo's impressive performance at the ITA All-American Championships on September 27th in Cary, North Carolina, where they defeated Vanderbilt's 29th-ranked Celia-Belle Mohr and Sophia Webster 6-2, 6-2, has earned them a spot in the NCAA Doubles Championship.Mushika's Singles SurgeMushika's individual success has also been noteworthy. The native of Ichinomiya, Japan, recently qualified for the NCAA Singles Championship after besting Pepperdine's Vivian Yang 6-1, 6-3 in the quarterfinals of the ITA West Sectional Championships last Friday in Los Angeles. Ranked 107th, Mushika has a 7-3 singles record and is poised to make her mark in the prestigious tournament.Wiersholm's Return to the Singles StageKatja Wiersholm, a 33rd-ranked senior, will compete in the NCAA Singles Championship for the second time. The Kirkland, Washington, product punched her ticket to Baylor after defeating UC San Diego's Julia Hayne 6-0, 6-2 in the quarterfinals of the ITA Conference Masters Championship in Rome, Georgia. Wiersholm, who fell in the round of 64 in last May's tournament, is determined to make a deeper run this time around.Mi's Maiden NCAA AppearanceRounding out the Bears' impressive lineup is senior Mi, who has earned her first NCAA individual championship berth. The Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, native secured her spot by defeating Pepperdine's Yang 6-2, 6-4 in a playoff match last Saturday at ITA West Sectionals. Mi, who transferred to Cal last season from Cornell, has a 6-3 singles record and is eager to showcase her skills on the national stage.

A Formidable Presence in Waco

The Bears' strong representation at the NCAA Singles and Doubles Championships is a testament to the program's dedication and the hard work of the players. As the team converges on Waco, Texas, next week, they will be carrying the weight of high expectations and the desire to make a lasting impact.The NCAA individual championships, traditionally held in the spring, are being hosted in the fall this season and next as part of a pilot program. Baylor University's Hurd Tennis Center will serve as the backdrop for the thrilling competition, which will take place from November 19th to 24th.With the Bears matching their number of individual postseason qualifiers from last season, the anticipation is palpable. The team's overall total of four qualifiers places them right behind the leaders – North Carolina, UCLA, and Virginia – each of which have five qualifiers.As the Bears take the court in Waco, they will be driven by a singular goal: to showcase their talent, determination, and the depth of the California women's tennis program. The journey to the NCAA championships promises to be an exhilarating one, and the Golden Bears are poised to make their mark on the national stage.