Catherine Parenteau Stuns Kate Fahey: Catherine Parenteau earned a hard-fought three-game victory over Kate Fahey on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Select Medical Orange County Cup in San Clemente, California. The win marked a significant comeback for Parenteau after losing to Fahey just last month at the Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships.
Revenge After Atlanta Loss
In their previous meeting, Fahey dominated Parenteau with a commanding 11-2, 11-6 win. Their rematch looked like it would follow the same script when Fahey stormed through the first game 11-1 in under ten minutes, using powerful baseline rallies to keep Parenteau on the defensive.
However, Parenteau adapted her strategy, shifting away from baseline exchanges to more controlled, tactical play. She began using shorter, low shots to draw Fahey toward the kitchen line, creating openings for sharp-angle spins and passing shots.
That shift in tactics helped Parenteau take the second game 11-2 and rally from a 3-6 deficit in the third to win the match 1-11, 11-2, 11-7.
Film Study Pays Off
Parenteau credited her preparation and focus for the turnaround.
“I’ve been watching a lot of film on [Kate] and learning her patterns, I felt like I played smart and stayed on the plan for most of the time.”-(Catherine Parenteau)
Her disciplined approach and patience helped her manage Fahey’s aggressive style and eventually take control of the match.
Back in Form After Challenging Year
With the win, Parenteau advances to the semifinals, one step away from reaching her first PPA singles final since appearing in this same tournament in 2024. In a post-match press conference, she reflected on the ups and downs she’s experienced over the past year.
“It’s been a struggle for the past year with a lot of ups and downs in singles. I sort of quit at times and then would skip two or three tournaments in a row when I needed a break mentally. I would get back and not be satisfied, but now I feel like I’m back in the groove and feeling really good right now in singles. That meant a lot to beat Kate, especially with the way she’s been playing.”-(Catherine Parenteau)
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Castillo Also Advances in Tight Contest
Elsewhere in Friday’s quarterfinal action, No. 10 seed Judit Castillo upset No. 3 seed Kaitlyn Christian with a tight 11-9, 12-10 victory. Castillo will join Parenteau in the semifinals as both continue their push for the finals at the Select Medical Orange County Cup.
News in Brief: Catherine Parenteau Stuns Kate Fahey
Catherine Parenteau defeated Kate Fahey 1-11, 11-2, 11-7 on June 20, 2025, at the Select Medical Orange County Cup. After a slow start, Parenteau’s tactical change led her to a comeback win and a spot in the semifinals. Judit Castillo also advanced with a close win over Kaitlyn Christian.
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