For the third straight year, Marin Academy twins Ann and Jane McDermott reached the North Coast Section Division II doubles final. On Tuesday at Marin Tennis Club in San Rafael, a short drive from their campus, the McDermotts found themselves in unfamiliar territory when they stumbled, falling to second-seeded Lauren Conner and Annabelle Allessio of University High of San Francisco, 6-1, 6-2. The senior captains had already collected three Bay Counties League doubles titles and two NCS championships, boasting a remarkable 23 consecutive league and section tournament victories over three years. They had also beaten Conner and Alessio in straight sets in the league final. “They were the hunted,” said Marin Academy coach Rob McGraw. “This was stressful for them trying to three-peat. It definitely got to them. Definitely the nerves. I was even super nervous.” The defending champs earned the top seed, which they substantiated through the first three rounds, dropping just 12 games total. But in their third NCS final and last high school match together, the McDermotts lost their winning ways. “They had this pressure,” said McGraw. “They never could loosen up. They couldn’t find their feet.” After a quick first set that did not go their way, the McDermotts jumped ahead 2-0 in the second set, seemingly righting the ship. The University girls shook off the loose games and stormed back to grab a 3-2 lead. The McDermotts had game points on both of their next serves, but failed to convert. Those key points reflected the type of day the McDermotts suffered, while Conner and Alessio gained confidence en route to the upset. “We didn’t play our best, but they had a really good match,” said Ann McDermott. “That’s how it goes sometimes.” Ann McDermott played No. 1 singles for the Wildcats during team matches, while Jane McDermott was the No. 1 doubles player. When they’re on the court together for doubles, Ann plays deuce and her lefty sister plays ad. Although the sting of the finals loss was fresh, Ann McDermott knows that what she and her twin have experienced as a championship doubles team is unforgettable. “The number of matches we’ve played together every year playing in tournaments is so fun,” said Ann McDermott. “The connection we’ve got in doing something together is special.” With the McDermotts as their leaders, the Wildcats have thrived as a team, advancing to the NCS semifinals in three of the past four seasons. MA dropped a 4-3 loss to Northgate in the NCS Division I second round this season to miss out on a fourth straight trip to the NCS semifinals. “I told them what they were trying to do winning three straight doubles titles was damn near impossible,” said McGraw. “They haven’t lost a match in three years. I think you can look at that and feel pretty good about yourself. It’s going to take them a while. Them being twins there’s that dynamic.” Ann McDermott has already started moving on . to the basketball court. Minutes after her loss, she was leaving for the Wildcats’ basketball practice. She also plays lacrosse, as does her sister. University, which defeated Marin Academy for the BCL title, also claimed the NCS D-2 singles banner thanks to top-seeded Pipere Lim, who beat Kira Iltchev of Lick-Wilmerding. It was a sweep for University, which claimed the new NCS Open Division team championship as well.
https://www.marinij.com/2025/11/18/girls-tennis-marin-academy-twins-fall-in-section-doubles-final/
Girls tennis: Marin Academy twins fall in section doubles final
