Rackets swinging, teammates shouting from the sideline and occasionally the disappointment of losing a hard-fought point are all things that the Polytechnic girls tennis team is beginning to experience as part of their early season.
Under the leadership of seniors doubles player Malia Mohandesi and singles player Dora Chen, the team currently holds an overall record of 5-2 and a winning percentage of .714, placing them second in the Prep League, just behind Chadwick. While there is still plenty of match play ahead, the team’s early performance has given the Panthers a clear drive heading into the rest of the season.
In their most recent match on September 11, they dominated Crescenta Valley High School 15-3, establishing a five-game win streak.
However, rankings only tell part of the story, as sophomore doubles player Chloe Shyu stated, “The team is starting out very strong and exciting.”
The backbone of every tennis match is a combination of individual skill and teamwork. Although tennis is often thought of as an individual sport, high school players rely heavily on support from one another throughout long matches and the competition in practices.
Shyu added that practices are full of bonding, fun, and friendly competition. She also remarked that the off-campus practices add a new level of connection for the team.
For the players, however, the season is about more than just the final score. Between practices, close matches and cheering for teammates, the team has built an environment that combines competition with friendship.
The Panthers have faced both exciting wins and challenging matches throughout the season. Junior doubles player Maggie Tsay comments, “One of the best parts of being on the team is the friendships we make, and the community we build.” Sophomore doubles player Abby Cunningham added, “What makes this team special is that we have a lot of fun together. Even when we’re losing, we always cheer each other on and stay positive.”
As the season progresses, the team hopes to continue developing their tennis skills; they are working towards being able to rely on anyone, whether they are playing singles or doubles. Another goal for the season is to go farther than last year, when the team made the CIF semifinals. According to Cunningham, one of the team’s biggest strengths lies in finding a consistent rhythm as a team, noting that the more they play, the better chemistry they all have, and they continue to improve every day.
With the season still underway, the Polytechnic girls tennis team is confident they can keep their momentum going. Whether they are chasing a win, fighting through a close set, or cheering on their teammates, the Panthers have the potential and chemistry to make a statement, one point at a time.
