The girls tennis team wrapped up an impressive 2024 season, showcasing their skill, determination, and resilience on the court. The Bulldogs consistently demonstrated their dominance, securing many victories and claiming top finishes in a few tournaments.
The Lady bulldogs kicked off their season with a hard fought 3-2 victory over Rowland hall and made an early statement by finishing first in the Cache Valley (copper division) invitational. Their streak continued with a standout performance at the Carbon invitational, where they finished first out of eight teams across two days of intense competition.
Throughout the season, Judge Memorial delivered many commanding 5-0 wins, including triumphs over Richfield, St. Joseph, Maeser Prep Academy, Providence Hall, Draper APA, Waterford, Juan Diego, and American Heritage. These victories solidified their reputation as a powerhouse in Utah highschool 3A tennis.
Despite facing tough losses against West, Grantsville, and Morgan, the Bulldogs bounced back when it mattered most. Their perseverance culminated in an outstanding performance at the 3A Region 15 Tournament, making it to day two, as they haven’t in recent years.
This year, the lady bulldogs were led by standout performances from their top players in both singles and doubles play. Their top singles player, Maria Garrido, a freshman, finished the season with a 16-0 record, close behind is a sophomore, Olivia lee, with a 12-0 record. Their top doubles team, Emma Evensen and Avery Kaleel, two outstanding juniors finished the season with a 13-0 record, and not far behind Taylor Dunaway, another junior, and Grace Willmarth, a senior with a record of 12-4.
As Judge Memorial prepares to transition from 3A to 4A competition, the shift is expected to bring a new level of competitiveness. The move means the Bulldogs will face larger schools with deeper rosters and more extensive tennis programs. While this presents challenges, Judge Memorial’s strong tennis team suggests that they will rise to the occasion.
Rising senior Taylor Dunaway expressed her excitement and confidence in the team’s ability to compete at a higher level. Dunaway says, “ I would say the majority of the people are excited to play teams at a higher level. I mean, we’re not going to win state or anything, or not necessarily our region, either, but it’s definitely exciting to play people that know how to hit back”.
The Bulldogs’ outstanding 2024 season serves as a testament to their skill and determination. As they prepare for their next chapter in 4A competition, the team remains committed to excellence and ready to make their mark on a bigger stage.
