The 2026 Moore League girls’ tennis season kicked off last week, and it’s bound to be another contentious battle between the city’s best players and teams loaded with star talent and exciting storylines.
All eyes will be on CAMS, a powerhouse program in recent year. The Coyotes were the Moore League Champions last season, and are looking to sustain that excellence through disciplined training and strong leadership.
“Coming off another championship year, the goal is definitely to keep that standard high while continuing to develop the team’s depth,” assistant coach Attila Lassu said.
CAMS features the city’s marquee singles players: senior Mandy Oliveros and sophomore Miki Sakai. Both qualified for the Moore League singles final last season, with Oliveros defeating Sakai to claim her third straight title.
Both players competed in highly competitive tournaments throughout the summer, which has helped them maintain their consistency and prepare for this season. Oliveros will look to cap off her illustrious high school career on a strong note, while Sakai looks to build on a standout freshman campaign.
“I’m excited to see their sharpened competitive edge translate into strong performances early in the season,” Lassu said.
The Coyotes also return seniors Saya Nagae and Sara Rodriguez. While both split time between singles and doubles in league play, depending on the match’s conditions, they’re known as one of the strongest doubles duos in the city, having won three straight Moore League doubles titles. Nagae and Rodriguez were also key contributors to CAMS’ CIF-SS Division 5 title in 2023 and Division 4 title in 2024.
Lassu said that the other doubles teams are still being finalized, but he has high hopes for his returning players and pairs that have continued developing.
Long Beach Poly is focused on winning and continuing to build on its second-place finish in Moore League last year. Head coach Mey Phy believes her team is capable of doing so, and said her main expectation is every player giving it their all and playing like there is no tomorrow.
“Ultimately, I want our team to continue growing, competing at a high level, supporting one another, and enjoying the experience of being part of this team,” Phy said.
The Jackrabbits bring back several key players, including senior Kara Teter and sophomore Remi Underwood, who will spearhead the singles lineup. Junior Megan Lee will transition to singles to round out the lineup, and Phy said she looks forward to seeing how Lee embraces her new role.
While the doubles lineup and combinations are still being worked through, Phy expects senior captain Chelsea Ramezani and juniors Justina Phy and Nico Lakkis to lead the group.
Freshman Jazmin Phy also provides an added boost to the doubles lineup, and Phy expects her to continue growing and make an immediate impact.
“I think she has the potential to become an important part of this program for years to come,” Phy said.
Phy also highlighted sophomore Kiele Holm, who will join the doubles side after playing on JV last year.
Wilson begins a new era this season with former Long Beach State head coach Jenny Hilt-Costello taking over the program.
One of the most accomplished tennis coaches in Southern California, Hilt-Costello spent 28 years leading the Beach to 13 Big West Tournament Titles and 13 NCAA Tournament appearances. She’ll bring that impressive record and wealth of coaching experience to the Bruins.
“My expectation for the season is to give our team a positive and fun experience while helping them improve their tennis skills,” Hilt-Costello said.
Hilt-Costello said the singles lineup will consist of three seniors – Camila LaPeyre, Penelope Tellez and Chelsa Baresh. All three played singles last year and will look to make the most of their final season together.
Hilt-Costello said the doubles lineup has not been formulated yet, but noted sophomore Delaney Kaiser and freshman Riley Dumlao and Naomi Waltzman as varsity newcomers to keep an eye on.
Over at Millikan, the Rams recognize Moore League’s competition level, but remain confident about their chances of competing for the title and auto bidding into CIF.
“We have a large amount of returning talent who know what it will take to come out on top this year, so we are hoping that we can piece together the wins and come away with the trophy,” head coach Spencer Pozgay said.
Experience will be a huge asset, as Millikan returns every single starter from last season with the exception of two players. Pozgay is excited to field a team with a variety of grade levels and positions. Senior Londyn Tyler anchors the pack through her competitiveness in singles.
Senior Camila Fratovich, junior Liliana Seja, senior Caitlin Ujiie and junior Leia Gray form the core of the doubles lineup.
“These girls have trained and experienced a high level of doubles in our league so I know they will be ready,” Pozgay said.
The team also welcomes several younger players who are set to take on larger roles this year, such as sophomores Ella Santos, Amaya Balmeo, Camilla Speir and Charlotte Schivley. Freshman Grace Ujiie is the lone varsity newcomer.
Lakewood also brings a strong blend of experienced and newer talent into the 2026 season.
“As another season arrives I’m hoping that our girls continue to improve and enjoy competing with the other athletes in our league,” head coach John Henderson said.
Aside from continued development, Henderson also hopes this year’s team can close out tight matches more consistently, a key focus after several tiebreaker losses last season.
Senior Alessandra Scott will take the No. 1 singles mantle, and Henderson dubs her as an experienced player who he trusts to compete against top players across the city. Senior Destiny Cortez and Senior Milani Insixngenmay, who both played No. 2 doubles last year, will round out the second and third singles spots, respectively. Senior Trinhnity Olivares and Jael Samuel are other names to look out for in singles, though they could also serve in doubles pairings throughout the year.
In doubles, juniors Deztinie Gil and Bella Torres-Heraz return for another season, a pair Henderson describes as “the dynamic duo.” Other doubles partnerships are being solidified, but players in the mix are seniors Serenity Martinez and Dania Abd El Gafor, and juniors Jaelene Santos, Emani Robinson, Sophis Chavez and Darlene Quezada.
