Girls’ tennis fought their way to another 7-0 match, first against Sequoia High School, and then replicating that success against Half Moon Bay High School on Monday, Sept. 29. The Panthers didn’t drop a single set against the Cougars, extending their dominant streak.
Despite missing their usual No.1 singles player, junior Shea Mulready, head coach Doug Stone said the team was able to execute when it counted.
“We focused and we executed. When you play a team that doesn’t quite have the strength that you have, it’s really important that you play your game and you dictate. And I thought that we did that,” Stone said. “Some of the toughest wins are the ones
that you should win.”
According to sophomore Greta Martin, who is part of the Panthers’ No. 1 doubles pair, the Panthers’ aggressiveness at the net helped secure their win.
“I agree with Sam with the whole doubles being more aggressive at the net, because our coaches really emphasize that,” Martin said, agreeing with a statement No. 2 singles player and senior Samantha Tom made. “And I feel like that’s helped us get more wins this season,” Martin said.
In their matches, Tom said singles players are focused on hitting one ball better than the opposing player during long points.
“Sometimes it’s really easy to give up after like, a 30-ball rally, but as long as you keep being on your toes and then just hit that ball back one more time, I think that’s something we can all improve on,” Tom said.
Stone also said he has noticed significant improvement in the team since the beginning of the season.
“The amount of improvement and the amount of just overall development that we see is noticeable,” Stone said. “And so I think over the course of the last month, month and a half, I’ve really seen good development and good improvement across the board.”
According to Tom, a highlight of the season has been the team’s welcoming, supportive environment.
“Environment-wise, I think our team is really good. I feel like our team’s really well-rounded. We’re always supporting each other, cheering each other on the court, so no matter win or loss, we have a good spirit,” Tom said.
After beating Mills High School 5-2 on Sept. 30 and Aragon High School 4-3 on Oct. 2, the team is looking ahead to matches with strong competition, including Carlmont High School, the only team the Panthers have yet to beat.
“One of their strategies is always being aggressive, hitting one ball back too, and their placement is really good. And I hope that’s something that us, as a team, can also work on,” Tom said. “And then if we kind of adopt their strategies, I think we can win.”
