Despite falling 81-69 to Santa Barbara in a non-league match Oct. 8, the girls’ tennis team remains undefeated in league and aims to win its eighth-straight Mission League title.
“I think the team has worked really hard so far this year,” Sophie Cohen ’17 said. “We have played really well and we are improving as we go on, game after game, and we are only getting better from here.”
Historically, the girls have fallen to top teams Santa Barbara and Peninsula every year in playoffs. Although they lost to both teams again this year, 81-69 and 15-3 respectively, the point difference is significantly closer than in previous years.
In the match against Santa Barbara, doubles partners and co-captains Arin Schwimmer ’15 and Paige Moelis ’15 were down 2-5 early in the match, but won the next five consecutive sets to win 7-5.
“[Santa Barbara is] always great competition and their doubles are what we strive to play like,” Schwimmer said of the match.
Moelis credits the team’s success so far to the overall improved team camaraderie.
In the season opener against Palos Verdes Oct. 9, Jenna Moustafa ’17 led the team to an 11-7 victory, sweeping all three singles matches.
The Wolverines struggled in the following two non-league games suffering a close loss to Beverly Hills 78-72 Oct. 17 and falling 15-3 to main rival Peninsula Oct. 18.
In the first league match of the season Oct. 30, the girls made a strong return, trumping Marymount 12-6.
Once again, Moustafa dominated singles and Joelle Choi ’16 played solidly in her doubles matches. Choi’s partner Juliana Simon ’16 returned to the courts this season after being out for two and a half years with a back injury. Simon is limiting her playing time to protect her back.
The Wolverines continued to win their following league games defeating Notre Dame 10-8, Marlborough 12-6 and Louisville 15-3.
With a seven-year string of Mission League titles, the squad has pressure to continue its legacy.
“I’m looking forward to playoffs because as a team we have improved so much that we will really be able to do well and prove ourselves and defend our Mission League title,” Cohen said.
Schwimmer hopes the pressure will motivate the team to play at its highest level.
The team heads into its next match against Notre Dame High School Oct. 21 ready to uphold their undefeated status and continue their path to victory.
“All in all, the team has a great vibe and we are a truly competitive team,” Moelis said.
