12-Year-Old Ditta Hubber Has a Big Day in Women’s Tennis

The first California Games opened Thursday with a light schedule of tennis, baseball and cycling.

However, it was a big day for Ditta Hubber of La Jolla.

Hubber, 12, won her first-round match in the open division of women’s tennis. Most competitors are seasoned veterans, not kids entering the seventh grade.

Around her 6-4, 6-3 victory over Tracy La Corte of El Cajon, Hubber played a singles and doubles match in the Wilbur Folsom Memorial Junior Tournament at Morley Field.

Hubber finished her busy day with a hat trick, winning all three matches. Her victories in the junior tournament put her in today’s final of the girls 16-under division, and she will also play two doubles matches.

Hubber continues her California Games schedule with singles matches in the open and 16-under divisions at San Diego State Saturday.

Hubber is used to playing--and beating--adults. Last year, at 11, she won the San Diego County women’s A Division title, and at 10 she won the C Division.

“I know I’m not supposed to beat (adults), and that makes me want to play harder to prove others wrong,” Hubber said. “I’d like to do well in women’s open, but I hope to win the 16s.”

A full slate of events begins today, including the opening ceremonies at 7 p.m. at Aztec Bowl. Competition in nine sports will start or continue today.

Admission is free to all events.

The games continue through Sunday with championships in 13 sports.

In Thursday’s baseball, the Padres, who include players from San Diego and Orange counties, defeated Australia, 2-0, in an exhibition game.

In a game that counted, the Dodgers defeated the Brewers, 7-6.

In cycling, Julianna Nowlan of San Diego won the women’s sprint and 15-year-old Denise Mueller of San Diego finished third. Kevin Peck of San Diego, a member of the U.S. national team, won the men’s 90-lap event.