Clay, Dust, and the Weight of Expectation
The 2026 Moore League season begins with a heavy air of anticipation. CAMS defends its crown, Poly pushes for redemption, and Wilson enters a new era under a legendary coach. The red dust settles, and the battle for supremacy begins.
The red clay of the Long Beach courts holds the heat of the summer, baking into the air with a scent of dry earth and ambition. The 2026 Moore League girls’ tennis season has begun, and the atmosphere is thick with the promise of contention. This is not just a schedule of matches; it is a stage for the city’s finest athletes to prove their worth. The stakes are high, the talent is dense, and the narrative is already unfolding with a momentum that feels inevitable.
At the center of this storm stands CAMS, the reigning champions who carry the weight of recent success. Their program is a machine of disciplined training and sharp leadership, built to sustain excellence rather than just achieve it. As the season kicks off, the focus shifts to the players who will define the year, each carrying a unique story of growth and rivalry that promises to keep the league on edge.
CAMS Defends Its Dominant Title
Assistant coach Attila Lassu speaks of maintaining a high standard, but the goal is deeper: developing depth. The Coyotes return with a marquee pair in singles, senior Mandy Oliveros and sophomore Miki Sakai. Their rivalry is fierce, defined by a final where Oliveros claimed her third consecutive title. Both players spent the summer in competitive fire, sharpening their edges for a season that demands consistency.
Beyond singles, the doubles duo of Saya Nagae and Sara Rodriguez remains a formidable force. They have won three straight league titles, a streak that underscores their chemistry. Their experience, including CIF-SS division titles in 2023 and 2024, provides a backbone for the team. As Lassu finalizes the remaining doubles pairs, the foundation is already solid, built on years of proven success.
Poly Chases Redemption and Growth
Long Beach Poly enters the season with a clear objective: to move from second place to first. Head coach Mey Phy emphasizes a mindset of total commitment, urging her players to compete as if there is no tomorrow. The goal is not just victory, but continuous growth and mutual support within the team dynamic.
The Jackrabbits field a robust roster, with senior Kara Teter and sophomore Remi Underwood leading the singles charge. Junior Megan Lee steps into the singles lineup, a transition that Phy watches closely. In doubles, the leadership of senior captain Chelsea Ramezani and juniors Justina Phy and Nico Lakkis provides stability. Freshman Jazmin Phy also emerges as a key asset, showing potential to become a long-term pillar of the program.
Wilson Starts a New Era
Wilson faces a pivotal change with the arrival of Jenny Hilt-Costello. A former Long Beach State head coach, she brings a legacy of 13 Big West Tournament Titles and 13 NCAA Tournament appearances. Her presence signals a shift toward a new standard of excellence and experience for the Bruins.
Hilt-Costello focuses on creating a positive and enjoyable environment while elevating skills. The singles lineup features three seniors: Camila LaPeyre, Penelope Tellez, and Chelsa Baresh, all making their final high school runs. In doubles, sophomore Delaney Kaiser and freshmen Riley Dumlao and Naomi Waltzman are highlighted as key newcomers. This new chapter is written with confidence, backed by a coach’s proven history of success, as reported by GN sports/tennis (en-US). The clay is ready, and the season has only just begun.
