After winning CCS for the first time in school history, the girls’ tennis team managed to end its season with a second-place finish at the CIF Norcal Team Tennis Championships on Nov. 22. After beating longtime rivals, Monta Vista, to win CCS on Nov. 18, the Falcons weren’t able to come away with a repeat victory against Matadors, who changed their lineup this time around, and lost 4-3.

“It was a close battle, but they pulled out in the end,” said head coach Tom Uyehara. “The difference was the fact that we got off to a slow start and played very flat compared to when we played them in CCS.”

Although the team placed second, the Falcons had to overcome many obstacles during the tournament, including the loss of No. 1 singles player, senior Mika Padmanabhan, who had to forfeit her match after suffering from a high fever. Strong winds and heavy rain added to the Falcons’ problems.

On the first day, the Falcons had a bye and they theyy faced Pleasanton Valley, easily beating them 5-0.

After a rainout, the Falcons faced St. Francis from Sacramento in the second round on the second day.

“[They were] a tough team that had strength up and down their lineup,” said Uyehara.

However, the players were able to pull out a 5-2 win. Then they lost to Monta Vista in the championship.

“We had a great season winning the first CCS Girl’s Team Tennis Championship in school history, winning the CCS Scholar Athlete Award and finishing as finalists in the CIF/NorCal Team Tennis Championship,” said Uyehara. The CCS Scholar Athlete Award is given to the team in CCS with the highest collective GPA.