The girls tennis team beat every team they have played, with the exception of Lafayette, leading them to a 7-1 record.
“Our biggest competition was definitely Lafayette. Lafayette’s team is really really loaded and they got a lot of new good freshmen,” junior Rachel Wang said. “It was good for us though because we had gotten used to playing easier teams, so it inspired us to work harder going forward.”
Wang, a member of the varsity team, has big goals for the remainder of the season.
“I hope that our team can go to districts and do some damage. I hope that overall my game improves and I want to get to know the other girls on the team even better. We have a few freshmen that are really helping out the team,” Wang said.
The girls tennis team has 17 freshmen players, two of which made the varsity team.
“Angie Jia and Charlotte Zera have both added something to the line up. Angie is a great and experienced player who has really helped our singles lineup. She hasn’t lost a match yet. And Charlotte is a great number six. She has a great forehand and is very aggressive,” senior Claire Martin, a member of the varsity team, said.
For Zera, the team has provided her a way to get involved and to develop her game.
“I feel like the team has been really welcoming to me and the other freshmen,” Zera said. “By the end of the season, I want to improve as a player. I want to have a few matches where I feel like I really play my best and maybe beat some people that I wasn’t sure I would beat.”
Last season, Martin and senior Ava Larsen competed in the state doubles competition and took home fifth place.
“One of my goals is that I really want to go back to state again.The atmosphere at state was really cool. The Cooper Tennis Complex where state is held, has 28 courts. There are so many matches going on and it’s a fun to stay and watch when you’re not playing. So I definitely want to go back there,” Martin said.
Martin returned to playing last week after a sprained ankle had her sidelined since the beginning of the season.
“I sprained my ankle when I stepped on a tennis ball. So I just got back last week and I have only played one match,” Martin said.
Despite having been injured, going to state is still Martin’s goal.
“Since my goal is to get back to state, I have to put in the time. That would include practicing on weekends, working out and anything that helps me get into shape physically and mentally. This season has added a new challenge since I’ve been out hurt with my ankle, so it makes me work even harder now that I’m back because this is my last chance to get to state so I want it even more,” Martin said.
Varsity tennis coach Jason Townsend sees potential in the team to do well at the end of the season.
“As a team, my goal is for us to win our district tournament,” Townsend said. “That is going to be very difficult. We are in the toughest district in the state, but we are very strong and I think we have a great shot.”
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