Ella Franzese Wins TCAL Singles Title!

November 2nd, 2021

Vallejo, CA - Several members of the Girl's Panthers Tennis team traveled to Vallejo yesterday to compete in the TCAL tennis tournament. Battling rain and wet courts  the Panthers overcome all the obstacles to record a solid day on the courts.  Singles player Amaya Beils played well, but lost in her first match to a strong player from SPSV. Bella Gettman-Mitchell and her partner Moni Chatas played extremely well, but lost to a strong team from Jesse Bethel - 10-9.

The doubles team of Makda Dawit and Helen Pollak were playing together for the first time. They started strong, and won their first match easily. They also played well in their next match, but lost to the #2 seed from Jesse Bethel. Special congratulations goes to sophomore Ella Franzese who won all three of her matches to become the first girl to win the TCAL singles tournament in the history of Saint Mary’s. Ella will compete in the NCS singles tournament later this month. Go Ella.

Panthers at Their Best - Beat Jesse Bethel, 4-3

October 14th, 2021

Albany, CA - The girl's tennis team played their best tennis of the season on Thursday in defeating Jesse Bethel (Vallejo), 4-3. The team's league record is now 7-3, and they avenged an earlier loss to Jesse Bethel.  Singles players Ella Franzese and Makda Dawit played "extremely well" while defeating their opponents in straight sets, according to head coach Mike Sommers. 

The number two doubles team - Bella Gettman-Mitchell and Samantha Tayag - "dominated their opponent with precise lobs, and strong volleys," said Coach Sommers.  

In recapping the match, Coach also noted that "the deciding and most exciting match was the number three doubles team of Kiki Burlington and Claire Abboud. They won a close first set 6-4, but lost the second set 3-6, setting up a full third set. They had the early momentum and jumped out to a 5-1 lead, and seemingly an easy victory. However, momentum shifted, and Jesse Bethel won the next three games, to make it 5-4. They held on the win the decisive third set, 6-4, clinching the victory for the Panthers."

 

The next match for the Panthers is Tuesday, October 19th, when they take on Albany at the Memorial Courts.

Player Profile: Makda Dawit & Moni Chatas

by Anela Thomas

October 5th, 2021

This week I talked with Saint Mary’s senior tennis captains Makda Dawit and Moni Chatas about their thoughts on the team, their season and what they look forward to as they enter the final stretch of their final year as Panther tennis players.

 

Q: How did you get into your sport?

Makda: I began playing tennis because I needed another activity following the basketball and volleyball seasons. When I was in fourth or fifth grade, my best friend encouraged me to play with her, and the rest is history!

Moni: During my sophomore year I knew that I would want to push myself into doing and trying new things, and tennis became one of them. I had never played before, so I was very nervous but also excited. I’m very happy that I decided to play because I have met many new people and developed stronger relationships. 

 

Q: What do you like best about your sport/team at Saint Mary’s?

Makda: My favorite part of playing tennis at Saint Mary's is meeting new people and forming strong friendships with them, regardless of their age or skill level.

Moni: I love how even though we have all been thrown off by Covid, we are working hard towards getting back into our groove so we can have a fun and successful season this year. 

 

Q: What has been the highlight of your Saint Mary’s athletic career thus far?

Makda: The highlight for me and my team’s tennis careers thus far has undoubtedly been winning the league all three years while remaining undefeated.

Moni: During my sophomore year, there was a game that was hosted at Albany, and I remember Bella and I being the last doubles match in play. It was starting to get dark and the lights came on; all eyes were on us. It was up to us to win this last point for our team in order to win the entire match. Needless to say, we were able to win after a challenging two hour match. We felt like we were on top of the world. 

Q: Do you have a favorite story you could share about one of the coaches or your teammates?

Makda: After wins, eating at In-N-Out and Habit, and blasting music all the way home from away games have all been memorable moments for me the past three years. 

Moni: My favorite moments are the ones where we all as a team are laughing and supporting each other, whether that be on the court or off the court. Our support system is very large and very inspirational, especially to those who are new. 

 

Q: Do you have a pre-match ritual? Special meal? Certain pieces of clothing? A routine?

Makda: The moment court assignments are given, my pre-match ritual begins. Once I step onto the court, I bounce a ball twelve times before slamming it for the thirteenth time, as thirteen is my lucky number.

Moni: Being able to drive gives me the freedom to blast music on my way to the matches which gets me hyped up and in game mode. The experience is even better if I have other teammates in the car with me. 

 

Q: What advice would you give to a new player/teammate?

Makda: Practice, practice, practice! To avoid getting rusty, I recommend playing year-round or just on weekends.

Moni: Relax, and have fun! When joining our team, my main focus was to not only work hard and be competitive, but to have fun while doing it. 

 

Q: Any hopes or goals that you have for yourself and for your team this season?

Makda: As captains and seniors, Moni, Bella, and I hope to make this tennis season as enjoyable as possible for the girls! In addition, I hope we win the league and advance to NCS!

Moni: I am striving to become a better singles player. I have been playing doubles for two years now, and it is a bit of a struggle to have to re-learn how to play the game independently, but I am eager to learn more about what it takes to do so. 

 

Q: Anything else you’d like to add?

Makda: Nopeeee

Moni: Nope, that's it!

 

 

 

Girls Tennis Team Defeats Pinole Valley; Now 5-2 in TCAL Play

October 5th 2021

Pinole, CA - The Panthers won their fifth straight match defeating a young Pinole Valley team 6-1 yesterday, and are now 5-2 in league play this season. Standouts included singles players Amaya Beils and Moni Chatas, who defeated their opponents in straight sets; juniors Lillian Hess and Daphne Siemons, who won playing at number one doubles; and sophomores Kiki Burlington and Claire Abboud, playing for the first time together at number two doubles, nearly shut out their opponents while cruising to a straight set victory. Come out and support the Panthers as they try for their sixth straight victory this Thursday when they take on Richmond at the Albany courts at 3:30!

Tennis Team Wins Again! 

September 30th, 2021

Albany, CA - On Tuesday,  the Panthers defeated El Cerrito 5-2 for their fourth straight victory - running their league record to 4-2. Highlights include three set victories by number one singles player Ella Franzese and the number one doubles team of Eva Roth and Amaya Beils.

Number two and three singles players Makda Dawit Dawit and Helen Pollak both won in straight sets. The match was sealed when the number two doubles team of Bella Gettman-Mitchell and Samatha Tayag won 6-0, 6-1.

Tennis Team Shuts Out Vallejo for 3rd Straight Win

September 28th, 2021

Vallejo, CA - The Panthers girl's tennis team defeated a young Vallejo team on Tuesday by a score of 7-0. The Panthers have won three straight and are now 3-2 in TCAL league play. The Panthers were led by sophomores Helen Pollak, Amaya Beils, and Eva Roth at the three singles spots. The match of the day took place at number two doubles where Claire Abboud and Maddy Nadel defeated their opponent by a score of 9-7. The Panthers are looking forward to their next match, this Thursday, when they host El Cerrito at the Albany courts.

Panthers Overwhelm Hercules, Secure First Win of 2021

By Luke Blatney and Anela Thomas

September 21st, 2021

Albany, CA - On Tuesday, the Girl’s Tennis team played a home match against Hercules at Albany High. The Panthers dominated the courts with strong outings from Ella Franzese and Makda Dawit to beat the Titans 7-0 and secure their first win of the season.

In a best of 3 sets, Ella won her 2 sets 6-2 and 6-1, while Makda won 6-1 and 6-1. Helen Pollak also came out victorious in her singles match. The doubles team of seniors Moni Chatas and Bella Gettman-Mitchell defeated their opponents by a score of 6-1, 7-5.  The number two doubles team of Eva Roth and Amaya Beils battled back from a huge deficit to win 7-5, 6-4, cementing the Panthers victory.  

 

After the match, head coach Mike Sommers had this to say: “Ella and Makda have come a long way and their serves have improved massively, as has our entire team. I’m really proud of all the players today, the way they’ve hung together, supported each other, and continue to practice and get better.”

 

The Panthers next play an away match against SPSV this Thursday at 3:30 pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Girl's Tennis Team Fights Hard, Eventually Upended by Albany

September 14th, 2021

Albany, CA - Once again the Panthers girl's tennis team played hard, but lost to a strong Albany team 5-2. Number one singles player Ella Franzese continued her solid play, winning her match 6-3, 6-1, to remain undefeated for the season.

Number two singles player, Makda Dawit, also won her match 6-2, 6-2. The match of the day was at number four singles, where Moni Chatas battled to a third set tiebreaker before eventually being edged 10-6. The Panthers travel to Marin tomorrow to play Marin Academy.

Panthers Tennis Squad Open 2021 Campaign as Favorites to Capture 6th Straight League Title

 

The Panthers tennis team is anxious to take to the courts once again this fall. After an abbreviated season last spring, the team hopes for a full season this fall. The Lady Panthers have not lost a league match in five years, and with the talent and depth of this 2021 squad, there are high hopes of extending that streak to six.

 

 “Our goal, as usual, is to win the TCAL and advance to the NCS playoffs,” said longtime coach Mike Sommers.   “We will be led by returning seniors, our captains, Makda Dawit, Moni Chatas, and Bella Gettman-Mitchel.  Makda is in her fourth season as a Panther, and will be charged with playing at number one singles.”

 

Returning sophomores Ella Franzese and Hellen Pollack will also be counted on as strong singles players. Joining the team this year are sophomores Amaya Beils, Eva Roth, and Claire Abboud who all should add much needed depth to the team.  Likewise, returning juniors, Lillian Hess, Samantha Tayag, Daphne Siemons, Elshamm Bereket - along with senior Callie Sommerville and sophomore Kiki Burlingham – round out a talented and dedicated group that begin the season as the odds on favorites to remain atop the TCAL.

 

The  Panthers practice daily at Terrace Park, and will play most home matches at Memorial Park - adjacent to Albany High School. The Lady Panthers look forward to having spectators return to support and cheer on the team this fall.  Come out and see what Panther tennis is all about!