The Branson School achieved a remarkable feat by advancing to the NCS D-II girls tennis championship. On Saturday at Golden Gate Park, they secured the title with a decisive 4-3 victory against the top seed University. Katie Warrin played a crucial role, rallying to a 6-7 (6), 6-3, 6-3 win against Anna Bhusri at No. 2 singles.

Singles Ladder Dominance

The Bulls' success was built on their strong singles ladder. Mirabel Arlander won at No. 1 singles, Audrey Gilmor at No. 3, and Paloma Vano-Rice at No. 4. Their consistent performances across the singles matches gave them the edge. This was particularly significant as it led to their first section title since 2021. Gilmor, as a freshman that day, had won at No. 3 singles to help the Bulls achieve a 5-2 win over Acalanes.In the earlier part of the day, Branson advanced to the final with a 4-3 victory against Lick-Wilmerding. Warrin and Vano-Rice won at Nos. 2 and 4 singles respectively, while the teams of Siena Yang/Xandra Sebastian and Olivia Shekou/Kaylee Giang secured the other wins.

Redwood's Journey to the NCS D-I Final

Jennie Liu and Julia Laury picked up singles wins on Saturday, putting Redwood into the NCS D-I final and guaranteeing a spot in next week's NorCal playoffs. Redwood coach Tracey Porter described the matches as "such good matches." Julia Laury's match lasted almost three hours and was just two sets.In the semifinals at James Logan High in Union City, the No. 3 Giants defeated No. 7 Monte Vista 4-3. However, they fell 4-3 to Dublin in the championship. Redwood's doubles teams of Jordan Marotto/Ella Povio and Alessia Bailliet/Gwenn Ricordel also picked up wins in both matches.

Marin Academy's NCS D-II Semifinal Loss

Marin Academy had a tough time in the NCS D-II semifinals. Amelia Thomas and Ann McDermott won at Nos. 2 and 3 singles respectively, but they still lost 4-3 to University at Golden Gate Park. MA's only other win came at No. 1 doubles, courtesy of Alice Elegant and Jane McDermott.

College Football and Soccer Highlights

Former Marin Catholic standout Spencer Petras had an impressive performance in college football. He threw for 255 yards and two touchdowns as Utah State rolled to a 55-10 win against Hawaii. Petras completed 20 of his 30 pass attempts but was intercepted twice. Both his touchdowns came in the first quarter, helping the Aggies take a 17-0 lead.In college soccer, former Tam High standout Yuna McCormack scored a goal to help No. 4 seed Virginia to a 2-1 victory over Princeton in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Her goal, her second of the season, tied the game at 1-1 in the 14th minute. Virginia then won when Maggie Cagle scored in the 48th minute and moved on to face No. 5 seed Wisconsin in the second round.Former Redwood High standout Mia Hamant came off the bench in overtime and played in goal during the penalty shootout. Washington advanced to the second round 3-1 on penalties following a 0-0 tie against Utah State in regulation. Hamant, who saved three penalties in the Big Ten semifinals against Iowa, didn't have to make as many saves this time as Utah State's final three penalties sailed over the crossbar. Washington will face No. 1 seed Mississippi State in the second round.