With end-of-season tournaments and CIFs wrapping up, fall sports have given their all to finish strong as the season closes. While entering the new league was challenging, each team persevered and exceeded athletes’ expectations. All this hard work was noticed as several made it to CIF, most notably, football, boys’ water polo, girls’ tennis, cross country, and girls’ golf. There was a common theme of unmatchable chemistry and spirit from the pool to the Ube. 

One team just finished their season strong, making it to the CIF Southern Section (CIF-SS) Finals for the first time since 2011. Girls’ tennis faced a hard-fought battle against Northwood, finishing as the runners-up in the Division 3 finals. Freshman Ella Wong says “it’s been such a blast as I got to work as a team with players from all different friend groups and grade levels.” 

Football exhibited similar energy on Ramer Field as its season started early with intense summer training. The large roster and invested fans reflected massive growth of the program, ending with eight wins and two losses. While Sage lost in playoffs, Junior Danyel Khan states “we set out with one goal in mind, to be CIF champions, however, we knew the tribulations we would have to endure.”

“This season has set the foundation for years to come and the work that went into this year will not go unnoticed,” he added. 

The boys’ and girls’ cross-country teams worked on speed and pace as they prepared for CIF preliminaries. With the girls advancing to finals, sophomore Aashna Sharma said this “season continuously pushed us to the limits while building amazing friendships.”

While cross country sped around the track, big things were happening in the pool as water polo trained hard, played tournaments and made it to round one of CIF. For most teams, the new league challenged players to adapt and motivate others. Senior Aaron Li says that “although our season didn’t end as we thought, it was fun and rewarding to see our efforts pay off in our new league.” 

In the Ube, volleyball kept up their trademark energy. With half the team composed of underclassmen, Captain Brooke Thomassen said, “us four seniors had an amazing time leading the team and watching all the younger girls grow as people and players.” 

Girls’ golf represented Sage at our home course, Strawberry Farms. Alisa Ching and Anna Gao both competed in the CIF-SS Individual Regionals. Alisa then qualified for the CIF-SS Individual Finals.

Sophomore Yoyo Li said “golf season is always so much fun. We had a really competitive team this year, and I made lifelong memories with the girls.”