Girls’ tennis team sets bar to win CCS

Sport: Girls’ Tennis

Coach: Florin Marica

Last season’s record: 16-6

Last season’s recap: Even with nine out of 14 players new to varsity, the Falcons placed first in the De Anza League. However, the team failed to reach semifinals at the Fresno NorCal tournament and did not move past the second round of CCS.

Star athletes: junior Shaya Nikfar and senior Smita Sabada

Key additions: freshmen Dasee Carter and Stephanie Ren

Key matchups: Los Altos and Monta Vista

Last season even with nine out of 14 players new to varsity, the Falcons placed first in the De Anza League. However, the team failed to reach semifinals at the Fresno NorCal tournament and did not move past the second round of CCS.

The team hopes to use last year’s experience and start this season strong with four new players.  

“Last year most of us were new to the team, but this year using our experience we definitely hope to improve on last season’s results and possibly win CCS,” junior YuKaren Asai said.

Seniors Smita and Arathi Sabada, who are co-captains, returned from a break last year and are two strong additions to the team.

The goals and expectations have certainly in turn become higher.

“We want to match the 2010 reign as Norcal and CCS champions. I think we have the best chance this year to do so,” sophomore Neeka Nikfar said.

Smita agrees that with a better balance of old and new players this season, the team’s chances look better.

In addition, the close-knit bond between the team’s players has proved to be an important factor.

“Even though tennis is a very individual sport, it pays off that on the court we have been working very well together. This will definitely translate during future matches and lead to success this season,” Arathi said.