Though the tennis team was less than optimistic going into the season, coach Florin Marica and players have gained a new level of confidence after defeating Los Altos, Lynbrook and Gunn. Both singles and doubles players brought aggressiveness and intensity to the courts, edging their opponents point by point.

The team’s lineup was not decided until minutes before their first match against Los Altos on Sept. 17, as Marica and players carefully analyzed their opponents’ strengths and weaknesses. The first school to win four out of seven games wins the match, so the Falcons took every position and player into diligent consideration.

The competition to win on each court was heated, as the final result was sure to be close. Marica watched every player from the sidelines and continuously offered advice and words of encouragement. His presence and those of the many parents and students may have helped to spark the team.

Doubles pair Allison Lin and Kelly Hsu took the first win of the league season for Saratoga, defeating their opponents 6-1, 6-0. Doubles players Shireen Hagshenas and Meera Rachamallu followed close behind, beating the Los Altos pair 6-4, 6-0.

The match score was eventually tied at 3-3, and the only match remaining was that of freshman Caitlin Ju and Los Altos No. 4 singles player Whitney Matthews. The two girls fought for the game in an exhausting third set, but with her teammates cheering, Ju won her match and helped Saratoga clinch the 4-3 victory.

Two days later, the team celebrated another victory over Gunn, crushing them 6-1. The Falcons also defeated Lynbrook 6-1.

Although the team had been dominating the courts, the girls lost 4-3 to their toughest rival, Monta Vista, in a hard fought match on Sept. 26. The team’s league record was 3-1.