COVINA – In a surprise victory, Northview High School’s girls varsity tennis team was named CIF Southern Section champions for the first time in school history.

The Vikings entered the playoffs unseeded, but their unranked status did not stop them from making the most of the opportunity. Throughout the playoffs, they reminded themselves of their coach’s mantra—refuse to lose.

Northview’s team first beat Downey High School in the first round, then beat fourth-seeded Chaffey High School in the second round. The Vikings then beat Loara High School in the quarter-finals and El Rancho High School in the semifinals. After their win against El Rancho, the Vikings were eager to compete at the CIF-SS Division 5 championship against Apple Valley High School.

The Vikings’ doubles team of senior Ana Luna and junior Jianna Cervantez went 3-0 in the championship match and singles players senior Jessica Gustafson and senior Victoria Paez went 2-1. Sophomore Julia Sanchez also won a set to give the Vikings five sets in singles.

Entering the final set, the Vikings were ahead 9-8, but with doubles team Costanza Dominguez and Giselle Figueroa trailing behind their competitors 3-2 in the last match, the title was on the line. Ultimately, Dominguez and Figueroa overcame the 3-2 deficit and won the championship for Northview High School.

“Winning CIF means quite a bit for the girls and myself,” Northview High Girls Varsity Tennis Coach Brian Rice said. “Over the period, they exemplified what teamwork is and what it meant for all of them to really accomplish their goals.”

The win was a culmination of hard work and commitment for the Vikings; as much of the team consisted of girls new to tennis, the team focused on polishing and perfecting the sport fundamentals.

“We worked so hard to get to where we are today,” Northview High senior and girls varsity tennis captain Jessica Gustafson said. “As a team, we could tell when we won because we all helped each other out and celebrated.”

Rice said he hopes his athletes continue to understand the significance of hard work and working together as a team, adding that he is grateful his athletes have become a community and support each other on and off the court.

“Congratulations to Brian Rice and the Girls’ Varsity Tennis Team on their outstanding accomplishment,” Northview High Principal Dr. Ryan Parry said. “Their extreme focus, drive and determination has paid off as they are now CIF champions.”

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CVUSD_NORTHVIEW_TENNIS: The Northview High School girls varsity tennis team is presented with a plaque commemorating their CIF Championship win.