Younger players lead the way for tennis team

For many years, the tennis team has been led by veteran players. This year, however, freshmen and sophomores are playing a key role in the team’s success, consistently clinching essential wins for the team.

The team consists of nine underclassmen and five upperclassmen. Last year’s team had the exact opposite, with five underclassmen and nine upperclassmen. 

Freshman No. 4 singles player Caitlin Ju often faces opponents who are two to three grades above her. Through early October, Ju had not lost a league match yet. Sophomore Shaya Nikfar, playing No. 3 singles, has been a reliable and consistent  player as well.

Coach Florin Marica’s strategy this season is highly focused on balancing the players on the team so that certain singles players and doubles pairs can guarantee a win in almost every match.

Marica and the team did not have high expectations upon entering the 2013-2014 season. But with three consecutive victories over Los Altos, Gunn, and Lynbrook in September, both Marica and players have realized the potential that the team possesses to win the league championship.

“I think we have a huge chance this year,” freshman Neeka Nikfar who plays No. 3 doubles, said. “If we stay consistent and beat our rivals, Palo Alto and Monta Vista, we are set to go.”