Marin Briefs: Branson edges past Tam into MCAL tennis final

Doubles play doesn’t always get a lot of attention from casual observers during the tennis season, but in the playoffs, every single match could be critical. The Nos. 2 and 3 doubles matches were perhaps the most dramatic in Branson’s 4-3 victory over Tam in Tuesday’s semifinal in the MCAL Team Championships.

The Bulls’ No. 3 duo of Icarus Crabell and Gaby Steele needed three sets to get the win over their opponents from Tam. The first set laid the tone for the rest of their back-and-forth match as it went 7-6, 2-6, 6-3.

The Bulls’ Anna Rende and Sophie Liu teamed at No. 1 doubles fora 6-3, 6-0 win.

Tam’s Maria-Jose Stuart and Louise McGinness, a strategic pairing at No. 2 doubles, earned a 6-2, 5-7, 6-0 victory over Branson’s Alexandra Zak and Isa D’Amario McShane.

Tam’s Gabriellę Klonowski showed the solid play she carried through the season with a 6-1, 6-0 victory at No. 1 singles over Mirabel Arlander. The Hawks’ Annika Hakes steadied herself for a 6-4, 6-1 victory at No. 4 singles over Alexa Warren.

Branson’s Audrey Gilmor and Kate Warren earned an even split of singles play with wins at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. Gilmor wasn’t on the court long during 6-0, 6-0 victory. A sure-handed Kate Warren won 6-3, 6-0 over Tam’s Gray Blankfort.

The team final is scheduled for Thursday, 3:30 p.m., at Novato High School. Branson will play the winner of Tuesday’s other semifinal, either Redwood or Marin Catholic.