Women's Tennis Opens State Play at The Ojai

Alyssa Powell came from behind in a three-set thriller to advance to day two of the CCCAA State Singles Tournament at The Ojai in play at the VC Tennis Center Thursday. Lea Meschke also won her first match of the day before falling in the round of 32, and the doubles pair of Allie De Marco and Powell also won their first match at state before bowing out.

Powell received a first round bye, then defeated the Northern California No. 13-seeded player from American River. She fell behind after the first set, 4-6, but came back to take the second, 7-5, and finished off the match 6-1 in the third. The sophomore plays in the round of 32 Friday morning at 8:00 am at the Buena High School Courts.

Meschke also came from behind in her first match of the day. In the first round, she fell behind her opponent from Fresno 6-4 before coming back to take the match 6-1, 6-4. Unfortunately, she faced a tough match up in the second round, the NorCal No. 3 seed from Cañada. Meschke ended her VC career in singles with a 6-0, 6-1 setback.

De Marco also qualified for state in singles. After a first round bye, she dropped her second round match-up against the NorCal No. 16 seed from Cabrillo, 6-3, 6-4.

In doubles play, De Marco and Powell defeated their first opponent from De Anza 6-1, 6-0 before falling in the second round 6-1, 6-2 to the SoCal No. 6 seed from Saddleback.

Meschke and Jule Lauinger fell in their first round doubles match to an opponent from Fullerton 6-7 (4), 6-1, 10-6 while Keressa Garland and Tricia McClain dropped their opening match in The Ojai to a duo from Modesto, 4-6, 6-3, 10-3.

Play at the CCCAA State Championships continues Friday April 26 at courts around the Ventura/Ojai area before moving to Ojai on Saturday and Sunday April 27 and 28.