La Cañada tennis’ sister act 2 premieres at CIF tourney
Sophie, left, and Cassie McKenzie are headed to the CIF Individual Tournament on Monday.
After both players competed in singles throughout the season for the La Cañada High girls’ tennis team, Cassie and Sophie McKenzie explored the possibility of teaming up in doubles for the Rio Hondo League Tournament.
La Cañada Coach Will Moravec needed a response before turning in the paperwork to the league coordinator for tournament seeding purposes. After a brief discussion, the McKenzies agreed to be paired up.
The duo went on to capture the league championship and will next compete in the CIF Southern Section Individual Tournament.
The event, featuring elite players from San Luis Obispo to Orange counties, will begin Monday morning at various locations across Southern California. The McKenzies will compete at Whittier Narrows Tennis Center in South El Monte.
“It came down to the last minute with them having to make their decision,” said Moravec, who guided the Spartans to a second-place finish in league and an appearance in the CIF Southern Section Division I playoffs. “Cassie had wanted to play through in singles, but they talked it over. I told them there was no looking back. Things have turned out well for them since.”
Cassie, a senior, and Sophie, a freshman, paired up to register 6-3, 6-3 victory against San Marino’s Madeleine Gandawidjaja and Libby Chang on Oct. 29 at Live Oak Park in Temple City to win the championship. Earlier in the day, they posted a 6-1, 6-0 semifinal win against Sophia Lee and Emily Hsiao of San Marino.
The win marked the second league doubles championship for Cassie McKenzie, who worked with older sister Ally to take the title in 2014. Cassie and Ally were tabbed the All-Area Girls’ Doubles Team of the Year after advancing to the semifinals in the CIF tournament.
“What Ally and Cassie did last year was special,” Moravec said. “They went on a great run and I think that had something to do with Cassie wanting to play with Sophie and trying to go far.
“Cassie and Sophie seem to be a lot more closer. They communicate well on the court. It will be interesting to see how they do. It’s going to depend on the draws, but they know they just have to keep things simple once they go out there.”
Check-in time is 8:30 a.m. Monday and, as is customary, players learn of their draws shortly thereafter.
The round of 32 will take place Dec. 1 at Whittier Narrows. The round of 16 and quarterfinals will be held Dec. 2 at Seal Beach Tennis Center and the semifinals and finals will occur Dec. 3 at Seal Beach Tennis Center. The McKenzies are the only area representatives still playing.