BREAKING: Aptos High sophomore Kiana Safari showcased her dominance at the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League (SCCAL) championships, defeating Aila Papadopoulos of Scotts Valley High with an impressive score of 6-2, 6-0 on Thursday at Imperial Courts. This victory marks Safari’s successful title defense, securing her spot in the upcoming Central Coast Section Singles Tournament on November 17-19.
Safari, the top seed, entered the finals with a flawless performance throughout the tournament, winning her previous matches with double bagels. Her rigorous training at the No Quit Tennis Academy in Las Vegas over the summer clearly paid off. “It was pretty fun,” Safari remarked. “We both played really well. There were a lot of really close games.”
Papadopoulos, a senior and talented player, aimed to keep Safari on the move to exhaust her energy. However, Safari’s enhanced skills and conditioning proved too much to handle. “She’s such a powerful player,” Papadopoulos admitted. “A lot of her shots catch me off guard.”
In doubles action, Santa Cruz’s Francesca Garces and Julia Kennedy also made headlines, defeating Aptos twins Isabella and Natalia Calderon with a score of 6-1, 6-3, further advancing their season. The Mariners, who have clinched the SCCAL team championship with a record of 10-2 overall and 10-0 in league play, are set to compete in the CCS Team Tournament on Monday at 2 p.m.
Safari, now holding an impressive career record of 19-3, is eager for redemption at the CCS Singles Tournament after a challenging first-round loss last season. “Hopefully, I can win a couple of rounds, get to the quarterfinals or semifinals,” she expressed.
Papadopoulos, balancing her tennis commitments with her role on the girls’ volleyball team, is no stranger to hard work. Just hours after her tennis final, she prepared for the CCS volleyball semifinals. “It’s been super hard,” she said, acknowledging the challenges of academic demands and her recovery from a fractured elbow earlier this season.
Safari’s training regimen included building strength and speed, which she credits for her success. “I can put more of my body into my shot,” she explained. Her dedication reflects in her gameplay, as she thanked her family, especially her two older brothers, for pushing her to improve.
This thrilling matchup not only highlights the competitive spirit within the SCCAL but also sets the stage for the upcoming CCS tournaments. Fans and followers are eagerly anticipating how these talented young athletes will perform on a bigger stage.
Stay tuned for more updates as Kiana Safari and her fellow competitors prepare for the challenges ahead!
