Fallbrook’s Gonda helps lead Pacific Ridge girls tennis to CIF championship

FALLBROOK – Fallbrook resident Julia Gonda helped lead the Pacific Ridge School's girls varsity tennis team to its first CIF championship at the Barnes Tennis Center on Oct. 30.

After dropping her first set, Gonda rallied to win her next two matches, giving the fourth-seeded Firebirds an edge in its eventual 15-3 takedown of No. 3 Patrick Henry. Throughout the week, Pacific Ridge advanced through the playoffs with victories against Monte Vista (#13), Eastlake (#5) and San Marcos (#8).

The championship win is an exclamation point on a perfect division record, as well as a fitting redemption; during last year's Division III finals, the Firebirds fell to Eastlake in a heartbreaking double tiebreaker.

"This team was as cohesive, supportive, and determined as any team I have seen, and the Division II CIF Championship was a well-earned, fitting reward," said Pacific Ridge athletic director Hans Richter.

Gonda, who has been the Firebird's No. 1 single’s player for the past two years, has played a tremendous role in the team’s success.

"Not only is Julia a great player, she is a great teammate, support, and friend to the other girls on the team,” said head coach Jennifer Dawson.

Gonda was named a San Diego Union Tribune Prep Athlete of the Week for her contributions to Pacific Ridge’s history-making championship win.