SAN NICOLAS LEADS KNIGHTS TO TENNIS WIN

By Robert Balajadia

St. John’s Knight tennis ace Marguax San Nicolas is prepping for her final year of high school tennis and she is already getting off to a great start in 2015 with an undefeated (2-0) record through two games, with the Knights also unbeaten as a team (2-0) with their 32-21 victory over the Academy Cougars.

San Nicolas had a tough opponent in Cougars freshman Tara Vsita-Lee, who tied the games won at 3-3 after facing an 0-2 games hole. San Nicolas finished the 10th game strong to capture a close 40-30 win to lead 7-3. Vsita-Lee managed to grab the 11th game before San Nicolas swept the 12th and final game to win the match.

St. John’s Knights Margaux San Nicolas played a strong second set of games to get the win. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

“I have to play hard this season, get all the first serves in and play well. Hopefully never lose more than four games again,” said San Nicolas on her 2015 season outlook.

The future is looking bright for young 14-year-old Vsita-Lee, who pushed one of the leagues top talent into a midway tie. Her play against one of the league’s best is already giving her confidence for future matches.

“[Margaux] is a really good player and I was giving it my best and I know she was giving her best too. It doesn’t give me too much confidence, but this match gave me a lot of confidence and that I can always push hard to get some wins,” commented Vsita-Lee on the game.

Academy Cougars Freshman Tara Vsital-Lee proved to be a tough opponent despite it just being her second high school match. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

College is right around the corner for the 2015 high school seniors, but more so for San Nicolas who has to eventually decide which tennis scholarship she is going to accept, and balance the rest of the 2015 tennis season of course.

“I’m wavering between two, either California or Texas, who have guaranteed me a spot on their tennis teams. I started playing this season a little gentle, but then I figured I should play how I’m expected to play at the college level so that way I can show my coaches that I can play my game no matter the pressure,” said San Nicolas.

San Nicolas was awarded an Honorable Mention spot in the 2014 All-Island Selections and is expected to make a climb in the 2015 rankings.

Other Scores

Boys Division: Guam High 32, Southern 10

Girls Division: Guam High 32, Southern 6

Boys Division: HCA Eagles 32, THS Titans 2

Singles 1: Gavin Lee 8, <FORFEIT>0

Singles 2: Kevin Zhu 8, Elijah Mortera 0

Doubles 1: Nathan Zhao/Josh Tan 8, <FORFEIT>0

Doubles 2: Jaein Noh/Alex Wu 8, Ramil Padigo/Coby Gogue 2

Girls Division: HCA Eagles 32, THS Titans 6

Singles 1: Alyssa Bristol 8, Janay Masga 3

Singles 2: Jane Baik8, <FORFEIT>0

Doubles 1: Kimberly Johnson/Sophia Takasu  8, Jasmine Stuckey/Fredlyn Lumdgda 1 

Doubles 2: Jiyoo Lee/ Tiffany Nonaka 8, Mara Masga/Georgine Cruz 2

PHOTO GALLERY:

Southern Dolphin April Talledo is taking up her first season in tennis and is still working out the kinks after losing to Panthers Caylin Hubble. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Panthers Caylin Hubble had a big games lead before Talledo snuck back to steal four games. (photo by Robert Balajadia)