CAMS Tennis Dominates Moore League, Secures Historic Three-Peat
CAMS (California Academy of Mathematics and Science) has cemented its position as a tennis powerhouse, sweeping both the singles and doubles titles at the Moore League championships for the third consecutive year. The team’s success is fueled by a relentless work ethic and a rising generation of talent, culminating in a dominant performance on Wednesday at the Billie Jean Moffit King Tennis Center.
Mandy Oliveros’ Unwavering Focus
For Mandy Oliveros, a junior at CAMS, the pursuit of victory isn’t about accolades—it’s about dedication. “The only thing that matters to me is working hard,” Oliveros stated. It wasn’t until the eve of the Moore League title match, her third in as many years, that the significance of a potential win truly resonated. “It’s honestly very underwhelming,” she admitted, “Because to me, it’s just another match, another game… I’m just very grateful that all this hard work… I’m onto this.”
Oliveros’ dedication paid off as she defeated her freshman teammate, Miki Sakai, in the singles final with a decisive 6-2, 6-1 victory. Both players had received first-round byes, setting the stage for an all-CAMS showdown.
A Team Built on Excellence
Sakai expressed her excitement about joining the CAMS team, stating, “When I came to (CAMS) I was really excited because I knew I would be able to play with them.” The team’s success extends beyond singles play. Oliveros and Sakai further showcased their prowess by securing the doubles title, defeating teammates Sara Rodriguez and Saya Nagae 6-2, 6-1, completing the sweep for the third year running.
Rodriguez and Nagae, the Moore League’s back-to-back doubles champions, have been instrumental in CAMS’ recent success, contributing to the program’s CIF-SS Division 5 title in 2023 and the Division 4 title in 2024. The strength of this core group—Oliveros, Rodriguez, and Nagae—has been a key factor in attracting new talent like Sakai.
Leadership and Mentorship
Oliveros embraces her role as a leader and mentor within the team. “I’m glad that we could pave the way and give an example of what it’s going to be like,” she said, emphasizing the importance of “work ethic and just mentality.” She is pleased to serve as a role model for younger players, helping them navigate the challenges and opportunities of competitive tennis.
Despite falling short in the doubles final, Rodriguez and Nagae demonstrated their skill, finishing third and fourth respectively in the singles competition. Rodriguez secured third place with a 6-2, 6-1 win over Nagae. In the third-place doubles match, Naomi Lakkis and Chelsea Ramezani of Long Beach Poly defeated Justina Phy and Alia Tran 6-1, 6-2.
Looking Ahead to CIF
The CAMS Coyotes are now setting their sights on the CIF championships, aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive title. While the division they will compete in remains uncertain, the team is confident in its ability to continue its winning streak.
“This means the world to CAMS,” said assistant coach Attila Lassu. He highlighted the impact of the team’s star players, who have consistently elevated the program over the past three years, with the addition of Sakai as a promising ninth-grader. The future looks bright for CAMS tennis, built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.
