The Aliso Niguel girls tennis team have begun their season and have high hopes for where it will go. Last year, the girls made it to division one in CIF, but unfortunately ended the season with a loss. In the past, the girls tennis team has won many titles and tournaments. They are working hard to gain another big win this year, being led by Head Coach Jeff Pinter.
On Thursday, Aug. 24, the team kicked off the season strong with an impressive 14 – 4 win against Newport Harbor High School. They have played five games this season, all against non-league teams. The team has a recorded score of 2 – 3 so far this season. The last game the girls played was a home game against JSerra on Sept. 12, where they crushed the competition with a final score of 15 – 3.
Varsity player Mia Johnson (10) says, “My favorite game so far has been the home game against JSerra. We weren’t expecting to win because they are a private school, but we beat them 15 – 3 and that match was overall really fun.”
The girls team is scheduled to play their first league game at home next week against Tesoro High School on Tuesday Sept. 19. Their second league game will be against San Juan Hills high school the following Thursday, Sept. 21.
The girls team also has a new part time coach this year, Coach Vitali. Vitali was an occasional instructor last year, volunteering to help the girls during last year’s season to improve their skills. This year, he has joined the team as a Coach, and is helping the girls try to achieve their goals and make it a successful season.
Not only is Vitali helping the varsity team, but he is also coaching the girls JV team as well. Junior varsity player, Tiam Yagmiz (10) comments, “Vitali being a new part time coach is really cool, and he is a great coach. His practices are hard but beneficial.”
The girls all have high expectations for this season and believe that they will go far this year.
Tennis player Eva Ebraim (11) says, “Our team is really strong this year and I think we’re going to do very well. I have high hopes for winning league and even CIF.”
Ebraim and her teammate won their last doubles match with an impressive 6-2 against JSerra, contributing to the team’s second win of the season.
Colette Bui (12) states “Communication it’s really important, because it helps you stay focused and learn from your mistakes.”
The players say that the team works very well together on and off the court. They regularly use their communication skills to work with one another during doubles matches. Communication is a crucial part when playing doubles in tennis, and the girls use these skills to aid them during their games, helping them throughout the season.
The team is excited and working hard to prepare to start playing league games this year. They are definitely a formidable opponent this season.