By: Ryan Erickson
Sports Editor
Junior Maegan Manasse needed to win one more match to finish her season undefeated with a record of 32-0. That match just happened to be the CIF Southern Section Individuals championship match and on Friday, Dec. 2, Manasse did just that, beating Palm Desert’s Desirae Krawczyk to become the first girls tennis player from the South Bay to win a CIF Individuals title since 1994. She also became the first Mira Costa girls tennis player to win a CIF Individuals title.
“Its really exciting being able to win it all, be a CIF champion, and have the honor to be the first Mira Costa girl to win an individual title” Manasse said. “This match and overall experience is something that I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”
The match didn’t start as Manasse would have liked, however, as she fell in an early hole by losing the first set 7-5. She bounced back though and responded by winning the second set 7-6. Then, as the final set came around, her opponent, Krawczyk, struggled with a cramp in her leg and was unable to continue the match, thus giving Manasse the championship.
“I felt really bad for her (Krawczyk), because she played so well, but I was able to hang with her the whole time and I felt like I was going to win the whole time,” Manasse said. “I’m just really happy with this moment.”
Coach Joe Ciasulli helped coach Manasse throughout the whole Mira Costa girls tennis season and CIF Individuals title run and wasn’t suprised at the level of success that she achieved this year.
“She plays her best tennis when she’s smiling. I’m here to help her relax and tell jokes to keep her loose on the court,” Ciasulli said. “When she does that, she’s the best tennis player in Southern California.”
Manasse, who entered the championship match ranked seventh of 100 eligible girls 16 and under, was humbled by the support that she has received during her tennis career from the people around her and credits them with helping her get to this point.
“I couldn’t have done this without the love and support of my parents, coaches, Coach Ciasulli, and my teammates. I just want to thank all of them for what they have all helped me do and accomplish,” Manasse said.
Although she will enjoy the feeling of being a champion for a while, coach Ciasulli says Manasse must always be looking forward and moving onto the next step of the journey.
“There are a lot of schools that are interested in Maegan and with all the hard work she puts into her game, you can see why,” Ciasulli said. “We just need to continue the work and I know she will shine.”
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