LA finishes first at GCAC

 

It was an amazing day for the Loyola Academy Girls Varsity Tennis Team! The Ramblers entered the GCAC Tournament looking to repeat as conference champions after a thrilling victory in 2024, and they delivered once again.

At first singles, sophomore Caroline Hewitt earned a strong third-place finish, defeating Rose Brody of DePaul College Prep 6-1, 6-0 in her final match.

At second singles, senior Emilia Nelson overcame a 2-5 deficit in the first set against Katie McCarthy of Fenwick in the semi finals and battled her way to the final, finishing as conference runner-up.

At third doubles, seniors Hadley Jones and Mary Kate Humphrey, the No. 1 seed, survived a tough second-round matchup against St. Francis, winning 10-6 in a third-set tiebreak. The duo then defeated conference rival St. Ignatius in the final, 6-3, 6-0 to capture the title.

At second doubles, sophomore Molly Minahan and junior Thea Yordan were dominant throughout the day, defeating both St. Ignatius and Fenwick in straight sets en route to another first-place finish.

At first doubles, junior Ainsley Schachman and senior Lizzie Baskfield, also the top seed, defeated Fenwick in the semifinals to set up a final showdown with St. Ignatius. After dropping the first set, they fought back to force a decisive third set tiebreak, ultimately falling just short 10-7. Schachman and Baskfield finished conference play with an impressive 8-1 record together.

The Ramblers totaled 31 team points, securing first place overall and back-to-back GCAC Championships! St. Ignatius and Fenwick finished second and third with 28 and 26 points, respectively.

Congratulations to the entire team on an incredible performance and another championship season!