Sports Briefs: Marin Academy tennis back in NCS semifinals

Marin Academy took one step closer to a potential all-Marin showdown for the North Coast Section Division II girls tennis crown.

The Wildcats rolled to three singles wins and some solid doubles play helped Marin Academy lock down a 5-2 victory over host Piedmont on Friday in the NCS quarterfinals. Lily Weaver and Rani Haddad held tough 7-6 (4), 6-3 against Piedmont’s Maddie Tran and Emma Chan at No. 2 doubles. The Wildcats’ Jane McDermott and Alice Elegant won 6-3, 6-1 at No. 1 doubles. Marin Academy got wins at the top three singles slots from Eloise Sent, Amelia Thomas and Ann McDermott.

The No. 4 Wildcats, semifinalists each of the past two seasons, are scheduled to face top-seeded University in Saturday morning’s semifinals at Golden Gate Park. The Branson School takes on Lick-Wilmerding in the other semifinal, with the finals to be held later Saturday. Second-seeded Branson was a 6-0 winner over Arcata on Thursday.

College soccer

Former Marin Academy High standout Malcolm Zalayet scored a second-half goal as Cal fell to defending NCAA champion Clemson 3-2 in the ACC semifinals on Thursday night.

Zalayet scored in the 51st minute to pull Cal within 2-1. The Bears tied the game in the 62nd minute on a gol by Adrian Jacobs. Clemson scored the eventual game winner in the 66th minute.

Zalayet, a freshman, is tied for second on the team in goals (4) and points (12), and led the way in assists (4).