The freezing weather was no match for the Santa Rosa Junior College women’s tennis team, as they came away with a 5-4 victory over Sierra College at the Izzy Derkos Courts Tuesday.

The Bear Cubs forfeited two matches due to lack of players, but strong doubles performances from sophomores Elissa Papale and Mary McCallister put the Bear Cubs in a position to come back and win.

Papale’s strong relationship with her partner is key to their success this season.

“We work really well together,” Papale said. “On and off the court, which is most important to me.”

Head coach Connor Van Alstyne was impressed by what he saw from Papale and McCallister.

“They were on absolute cruise control, best doubles I’ve seen from them so far this year,” Van Alstyne said.

SRJC entered the singles matches down 2-1, but won four of five singles matches, thanks to determined play and excellent serving.

Second-year Julia O’Keefe showed a lot of grit during her win Tuesday, battling through a foot injury.

“I’ve got an inflamed nerve in my foot, there’s kind of a shooting pain every time I step wrong,” O’Keefe said.

Despite their current success, the Bear Cubs are looking to hone in on certain aspects of their game over the next few days  of practice.

“Usually Julia and I don’t play doubles together, so we’re going to need some practice,” said second year Thu Dang.

O’Keefe thinks the Bear Cubs need to maintain composure on the court.

“We need to focus on our mental game, I think we’ve been putting too much pressure on ourselves in game,” O’Keefe said.

Up Next:

The Bear Cubs will look to continue their early success when they travel to Diablo Valley College on Feb. 23.