The varsity girls’ tennis team is heading into the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) singles and doubles playoffs with an overall record of 12-3 and an undefeated league record of 8-0. After winning the Mission League on Oct. 22, the team is shifting their focus to the CIF playoffs.
Reflecting on the season, Emily Stutsman ’26 said the team’s first tournament in SanDiego served as a major turning point in terms of building confidence. The tournament, held from Sept. 27-28, resulted in a 3-1 record.
“The highlight of this season for me was the Point Loma tournament,” Stutsman said. “It was the first tournament our team had participated in for years, so it was not only exciting, but also a great bonding experience. The tournament gave us a chance to see how we measured up against some of the top teams in the state. We performed well, and that boosted our confidence and provided the motivation we need to tackle playoffs with momentum.”
Fiona Tseng ’28 will be competing in the playoffs for the first time. While Tseng said the adjustment to high school tennis initially came with nerves, she said her teammates have helped her gain confidence throughout the season.
“Being on the team, especially as a freshman, was a bit scary in the beginning as it was all new to me,” Tseng said. “But with the guidance, support and warmness of everyone on the team, I quickly became comfortable and more confident. My teammates are always there to hype me up and cheer me on during matches, which has helped me so many times, especially on match days where I’m not playing or feeling my best.”
Stutsman said her preparation for playoffs differs from her regular season practice.
“The main mental difference between playoffs and the regular season for me is preparation,” Stutsman said. “I am more deliberate with my preparation on and off the court leading up to playoffs which gives me more confidence during matches.”
Sunny Lu ’25 said she is approaching the upcoming playoffs with a balance of mental and physical preparation.
“I just try to think about the present and one point at a time,” Lu said. “If I start thinking that each playoff match could be my last, it gives me more motivation because I want to perform the best I can. I use that thought to fuel my energy and keep myself in the zone during the matches.”
Lu also said the importance of preparing in a way that mirrors the intensity of playoff competition is critical.
“For both the mental and physical side, I play more practice matches so I can get myself familiar with the competitive environment,” Lu said. “If I don’t practice in a setting where there are a lot of nerves, then in the actual tournament, I won’t be able to stay focused. I use practice matches as a way to practice as close to the playoff competition environment as possible.”
With the regular season behind them, Stutsman said players are focused on hon in their skills and maintaining their strong team dynamic as they look to make a deep run in the playoffs. She said the team’s dedication to improvement, along with the confidence gained from a successful season, has them poised to take on the challenges ahead.
The team will continue preparing for the upcoming CIF singles and doubles playoff competition, which will begin on Oct. 28 at Los Angeles Valley College
