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; du...