University's Hayley Thompson is a big part of the Trojans' future. Paul Bersebach, The Register.

With four consecutive CIF-SS Division I final appearances – including two championships – the University’s boys tennis team is in the midst of an incredible run of dominance. (The Trojans haven’t lost to a county team in boys tennis since Dana Hills beat them in the 2006 CIF-SS Div. I final.)

Are the girls beginning to set themselves up for a similar type of stretch? Maybe.

An influx of freshmen talent, which includes four ninth-graders in the starting lineup, has Trojans coach John Kessler excited about the future. In fact, Kessler has just two seniors on this year’s team.

“We have some more young girls coming,” said Kessler of the future. “Plus, who we have coming back. I think we are going to give Corona del Mar a run for their money in the new league.”

Kessler was alluding to next year’s releaguing, when Uni and CdM join Northwood, Woodbridge, Irvine and Beckman.

On Tuesday against Northwood, the Trojans singles lineup had Ali Dawson (junior), Kyra Scott (sophomore) and Krystal Lai (freshman) playing. The doubles featured freshmen Caroline Knoll, Hayley Thompson and Shannon Theisen.

“We are definitely beginning something we can continue for many years,” Dawson said. “We just need to continue to get better.”

The biggest obstacle the Uni’s girls team faces is a Dana Hills girls team that is on an almost equivalent streak to the Uni boys team.

The Dolphins have reached consecutive CIF-SS Division I finals, and are early favorites to reach the championship match again. Like the Trojans, the Dolphins benefited from their own freshmen group, including Alyssa Smith, Jessica Perez and Cassidy Spearman. Dana Hills also has a talent pool it can keep drawing from in the future.

“If you look at Dana Hills,” Kessler said, “they are one or two years ahead of us. Dana was already at where we are at now. Can we close that gap? That’s the big question. Dana Hills is a powerhouse.”

More from the girls tennis blog:

• Girls tennis: No. 3 University beats No. 7 Northwood
• Girls tennis: What’s on tap this week
• Girls tennis: Top 10 (Sept. 14)
• Girls tennis: CdM second in Fresno tourney
• Girls tennis: Nguyen athlete of the week

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