Dolphins coaches Mark Spearman and Jim Wilson were watching their future play singles against the No. 4 seed Thursday afternoon. Or were they?

Sophomore Joanna Smith eventually fell in three sets to Ontario Christian’s Britney Sanders, 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 in the quarterfinals of the CIF-SS singles championships at Seal Beach Tennis Center.

“I hope she plays,” said Spearman when asked of Smith’s future.

If Smith decides to play high school tennis in the future, her name is one to watch for the next two years. Though she lost, she gained much from the experience.

“It was a matter of a couple points,” Smith said. “I’m going to build off this and improve. I’m proud of myself. i played really well. I was right there.”

Smith played singles for the Dolphins this year and won the South Coast League singles title. After her effort Thursday against Sanders, who is ranked No. 6 in the USTA girls 18 and under division, Spearman said Smith has arrived.

“That girl is not only one of the top girls in the section, she is one of the top girls in the nation,” he said. “Joanna, as a sophomore, showed how though she is. She has a little spice to her, in a good way. She’s a fighter. She’s ready to play with the big girls. She’s ready for the big-time.”

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