Early-season update: Girls’ tennis plays matches with no players to spare

Head Coach: Florin Marica

Last year’s record: 9-3

Recap: The team held its own in the less competitive El Camino division, losing only three matches. However, they were unable to move up to the higher De Anza division since they finished in third place. 

Key matchups: Lynbrook, Gunn

Star Players: Sophomores Mihika Singh and Riya Rama

Key losses to graduation: Arshi Chawla, Melody Lin, Charlotte Debecker

League: El Camino

Prognosis:

Last season, the girls’ tennis team was only three wins away from moving up to the De Anza division. This year, the team has the same goal, but with a shrinking roster, circumstances have proven to be less than ideal. 

Many girls who were previously on the team did not try out, including last year’s No. 1, 2 and 3 singles players — senior Sabrina Manea, junior Megha Horantur and sophomore Vikki Torram, respectively. Manea moved to Spain and Horantur started the season on the team but stopped playing for personal reasons. 

Going into the season, the team has 10 players, the exact number needed to compete. If even one player is missing — due to injury or personal reason — and cannot play, the team will have to forfeit one of the seven contests within a match. It is a handicap that leaves no room for error.

On the bright side, players said the small team size helps create close bonds, trust and a sense of mutual respect. 

 “Being on the tennis team helps me connect with other players,” said sophomore Mihika Singh, the team’s No. 1 singles player. “It’s really nice to have a community since tennis can be an isolating sport at times.” 

Singh and the five other sophomores on the team are playing higher up on the ladder than they were last season. 

Even with a small roster, junior co-captain Natalie Poon said she is excited to help lead the team knowing she has the support of her teammates and mentorship from senior captain Nancy Lei.

To kick off the season, they played Fremont at home on Sept. 12 and won 5-2. All three of their doubles teams won as well as their No. 3 and 4 singles positions. 

These results, according to Lei, were possible because of the team’s efficient practices. Under head coach Florin Marica, the team practices rallying, points, serves and accuracy drills.

With one win under their belt, the Falcons feel confident and ready for the coming season. 

“I think this win was really important because a lot of us were a little nervous about this season,” said sophomore Advika Prashanth, the No. 4 singles player. “Now we know we can succeed and all we have to do is continue working hard.”