The Varsity Girls tennis team has started the season off 8-1 after falling short to University Irvine in the first round of the CIF Southern Section Open Division Playoffs last season.

Varsity Head Coach Jelena Durisic said that a lot of the team’s success hinges on the team’s enthusiasm both on and off the court.

“For us, the main thing is energy,” Durisic said. “If we show up, ready to go all out and compete hard, we’re very successful. We’re talented, but when we put the extra effort on the sidelines, we’re cheering and we’re supporting each other and talking positive through the changeovers, it really shows.”

Durisic said each player serves a different role on the team, creating an overall great team dynamic.

“We have incredible leadership with my captains and my senior class,” Durisic said. “And then the young guns, I call them, they just want to be a part of it. They’re super competitive. It’s just a different dynamic [from past seasons]. But overall, it’s been great.”

Singles player Sunny Lu ’25 said that the team’s enthusiasm has helped the team start off the season with many wins.

“Every time people start cheering us on, we start playing better,” Lu said. “As a team, that’s really helped all of us. [If] someone’s down during the set, and we all go cheer them on, they start coming back. It’s the team spirit that has kept our winning streak going.”

Doubles player and Team Captain Zoe Shin ’23 said she has stepped into the role of a captain well, as she’s been able to help some of her younger teammates in different ways.

“I’ve been able to be there for my underclassmen, both on and off the court, whether that be with academics or being the doubles partner that they need when they’re down,” Shin said.

Shin said that the team this year has a special connection, and this connection has helped them during matches.

“I think [the team has been successful] mainly due to the bond that we’ve been able to build off the court,” Shin said. “I genuinely do believe that the team is really special this year, in that everyone’s friends, there are no cliques. That bond translates onto the court. We’re always there for each other.”