Blazer tennis ravages Rams

BLAZER TENNIS COURTS, Oct. 11 -

After beginning the season with low expectations, the girls' varsity tennis team (8-4) finished the season on a high note by defeating the Division III Rockville Rams (4-8) in an overwhelming 7-0 victory.

Coach David Ngbea believed the girls performed exceptionally well in what was expected to be a rough season after losing six seniors and starters. "I am extremely excited and happy. They went beyond my expectations and performed admirably," he said. Ngbea felt that the girls minimized errors in the Rockville match and greatly improved from their previous match against B-CC.

Ngbea believed the first doubles team of senior co-captains Hannah Ho and Ava Wallace significantly improved from their previous match. The Ho-Wallace duo won by a score of 6-1, 6-0, and made an opportune change in their playing strategy that aided their win. Where Ho usually handles ground strokes and Wallace manages most of the volleys, the pair reversed their roles and played the other position. "It didn't hurt our match, it was just very different," Ho said. Overall, the pair made fewer unforced errors and played a much cleaner match, a large improvement from last week.

The second doubles pair of senior co-captains Ann Choi and Anya Gosine similarly crushed their opponents by a score of 6-0, 6-1. The team showed strong consistency with terrific teamwork. Choi's serves and Gosine's volleys were impressive and both players demonstrated strong ground strokes. The Choi-Gosine duo was happy to bring home a win in their last home game as seinors. "We did well – it was a good way to end senior night." Choi said.

Fourth singles sophomore Allison Whitney strived for every point and dominated her opponent in her match, winning by a score of 6-0, 6-0. Whitney exhibited her usual consistency and persistence, though some irregular hits from an inexperienced opponent threw her off and made her scramble to cover the court.

First singles senior co-captain Shilpa Kannan also won her match 6-0, 6-0. Kannan drastically improved her serves, which was a major advantage for her in the match. Even though she felt that she could have improved her forehand and backhand, Kannan played a clean, quick match and improved upon previous weaknesses.

Ngbea felt that the team had successfully met his goals for the season. The Lady Blazers remained a Division I team and defeated three other Division I rivals, many more than Ngbea expected. Ngbea also felt that the girls gained a lot from the sport. Even though the team lost many key players last season, they came together to fight hard and have fun. "I feared that they would not learn much by the end, but they proved me wrong," he said. "I was very lucky and blessed to have captains and everyone contribute so much. I am very happy for that."

Editor's Note: Ava Wallace is Editor-in-Chief of Silver Chips Online. Anya Gosine is Managing Editor of Silver Chips Online.