La Cañada’s McKenzie sweeps through opening day of CIF individual tennis tourney
In each of her three seasons playing for the La Cañada High girls’ tennis team, Sophie McKenzie has gone on to participate in the CIF Individual Tournament.
The event features top players from around Southern California, giving McKenzie the opportunity to trade serves and volleys and pick up valuable experience against tough competition.
McKenzie got off to an impressive start Monday during the early rounds of the tournament at Whittier Narrows Tennis Center in South El Monte, losing just five games to extend her season.
McKenzie, who captured the Rio Hondo League singles title Nov. 2 at Arcadia Tennis Center, had a first-round bye. The junior recorded a 6-0, 6-0 second-round victory against Victoria Kuang of Hacienda Heights Wilson before a 6-2, 6-3 third-round win versus Zoe Coggins of Edison.
“I think having the experience playing in this tournament helps a lot,” said McKenzie, who reached the third round in singles last season after teaming with sister Cassie to reach the doubles semifinals in 2015. “You know more of what to expect and you aren’t as nervous.
“It’s cool when you get to go up against great players and you know you have to be able to come out strong.”
McKenzie, the reigning All-Area Girls’ Singles Player of the Year, helped La Cañada finish second in league behind San Marino. The Spartans advanced to the second round of the CIF Southern Section Division II playoffs.
“The second round today was pretty quick,” McKenzie said. “I was able to get my serves and returns in consistently.”
The third set proved to be a bit more competitive.
“I had to be able to move the ball around a lot more,” said McKenzie, who improved to 32-3. “The girl definitely hit the ball much harder.”
La Cañada coach Will Moravec said McKenzie stayed on the right track.
“Last year, she had a tough draw,” Moravec said. “This time, she didn’t worry about the draw and she put on her hard hat and went to work.
“I thought she played very well in both rounds.”
McKenzie will find out at noon Wednesday when she’ll next compete. Eight singles players and eight doubles teams will participate in round-of-32 matches Nov. 28 at Whittier Narrows.
The round-of-16 and quarterfinals will take place Nov. 29 at Seal Beach Tennis Center. The semifinals and finals will occur Nov. 30 at the same venue.
Twitter: @TCNCharlesRich
