Gianulias, Troubadours Advance to Section Second Round

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Sophomore Annie Gianulias likes to unleash her hard serve on game and match points and she has had plenty of practice during an undefeated sophomore season for the Troubadour tennis program.

“If it is match or game point, I like to hit my serve really hard to try for an ace or get a really good shot,” said Gianulias.

Gianulias posted a 6-0, 6-2 win over Daniela Pantoja of Franklin of Stockton at No. 5 singles to improve to 14-0 on the season Monday.

“It means a lot to me but I did not realize I was undefeated until Kristi told me,” said Gianulias. “I try to go undefeated while always having a good game.”

The St. Michael’s product has gone undefeated playing at three positions in the St. Francis lineup, including a 2-0 mark at No. 3, 4-0 at No. 4 and 8-0 at No. 5. She does not favor a certain position, welcoming the challenge of a higher spot.

“It does not matter,” said Gianulias of her singles spot. “If I play higher, there is more determination to play better and have a better match. If you play well that is just a bonus.”

Head Coach Spector says the streak has given Gianulias, who played doubles as a freshman, confidence as it has grown.

“Annie is awesome,” said Spector. “She gets the job done whether it is an easy match or a hard match, two sets or three sets. She always pulls it out. She believes. The longer her unbeaten streak goes, I think the more mentally tough she is becoming. Now it is just about winning the match for the team. It is her personal record.”

The Troubadours posted a 9-0 win over Franklin Monday, sweeping all nine matches while dropping just two games in 12 singles sets.

“All the singles came through super easily,” said Sector. “The doubles players had a little more work but were able to close out all the matches.”

The win earned St. Francis a second round match at Gregori of Modesto Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m.

“We are excited about the win,” said Head Coach Kristi Spector. “It was an easy win for us. It is good motivation and vibes for the girls heading into tomorrow. I know Gregori is going to be a tougher match. I am glad we had some a little work today to get the feel of a playoff match.”

St. Francis 9, Franklin-S 0

Singles

1. Avery Spector, SF, def. Annalisa Manabat, F, 6-0, 6-0

2. Kiya Jackson, SF, def. Merissa Ramirez, F, 6-0, 6-0

3. Kyla Jackson, SF, def. Monica Juarez, F, 6-0, 6-0

4. Marisa Fat, SF, def., Yetzely Lara, F, 6-0, 6-2

5. Annie Gianulias, SF, def. Daniela Pantoja, F, 6-0, 6-2

6. Abby Benvenuti, SF, def. Lily Wang, MT, 6-0, 6-0

Doubles

1. Eden Elliott/Jordaine Tran, SF, def., Isela Pena/Selena Pena, F, 6-3, 6-4

2. Sabrina Voeller/Cameron Parra, SF, def. Elisa Lyn Aprag/Yeymi Aguilar, F, 6-3, 6-3

3. Alyse Andre/Izabella Samuel, SF, def., Andrea Bravo/Jessica Ochoa, F, 6-3, 6-4