When the number of matches a team is scheduled to play at home over the course of an entire season numbers only seven, and among those, only one will include said team’s “star player,” it’s tough not to be cynical about exactly what purpose that star is filling. Are D.C. fans really supposed to feel a connection to Wimbledon champion Serena Williams, or is she just being offered up as added enticement to buy tickets?

Last night’s sold-out crowd at Kastles Stadium didn’t seem to mind much either way, as shouts of encouragement for Serena rang out whenever she appeared on the court. With Williams’ help, the team improved its record to 5-4 with a win over Newport Beach, their fifth in a row after some early season stumbles. The No. 2 ranked (and arguably, that ranking is too low) women’s tennis player in the world hardly offered up her best stuff on the court last night — but when you’re that good, you can get away with half-hearted concentration and still dominate.

Serena’s star power brought out a number of famous-for-D.C. types to the CityCenter stadium last night. Among those spotted by DCist: WAMU’s Kojo Nnamdi, political pundit Margaret Carlson, MSNBC’s social maven-in-chief Tammy Haddad, Michelle Fenty and her two sons (the Mayor was not in attendance last night), most of the cast of Blonde Charity Mafia, and WTOP rabblerouser Mark Plotkin.

The match got off to a slow start, as both the men’s doubles and men’s singles rounds dragged while the crowd waited for their chance to see Serena in action. The first set went to the visitors from Newport Beach, while the second saw the Kastles’ Scott Oudsema finally find his rhythm toward the end, eventually besting the Breakers’ Ramon Delgado.

But then it was time for mixed doubles, and there was Serena! Playing for us! Her thigh muscles are incredible! She’s smiling and having fun! It’s really her!