The Paly Girls’ tennis team (13-1, 4-1) added to their 12-1 record after defeating Milpitas handily, 6-1 on Monday, October 7th.
Despite the team’s recent loss to Monta Vista, the number one ranked team in league, it triumphed over Milpitas winning three singles matches and three doubles matches. Coach Andy Harader believes the upperclassmen’s level of experience has greatly contributed to the team.
“[We have a] well established team with senior players that have been on the team for a couple of years,” he said.
Number one singles player, Aashli Budhiraja (’14), played with an injured foot, but ultimately defeated her opponent 6-3, 6-1.
“The worst [part of the match] was when my foot was hurting towards the end of the first set.” Budhiraja said.
Despite her minor setbacks, Budhiraja prevailed and added a win to the match. Felicia Wang (’14) defeated her opponent handily at the number two singles spot, 6-1, 6-0. Avanika Narayen (’17) dominated at the number three singles spot 6-1, 6-1. Narayen is a new addition to the team and has been dominating in her matches throughout the season.
At the number four singles spot, Sarah Tayeri (’15) played an aggressive match but unfortunately lost 6-2, 6-2. Despite this loss, team spirit remained high as the girls continued to cheer on the remaining matches. When attending a girls’ tennis match one will definitely notice the amount of cheering and support each of the girls has for each other.
Caroline Nore (’14) and Samantha Dewees (’14), number one doubles players, had a close first set winning in a tiebreak 7-6 and asserted their dominance taking the second set 6-1.
Hollie Kool (’14) and Kelsey Wang (’16), number two doubles, also added to the win column playing a solid match defeating their opponents 6-1, 6-4.
Number three doubles players Julianne Le (’14) and Madeline Lee (’15), combined well together and giving the Lady Vikes an early win defeating their opponents 6-1, 6-0.
Going forward, Budhiraja made clear the teams’ goals.
“We really want to win all our matches in preparation for CCS,” Budhiraja said. “We really want to do well in CCS and maybe even go to state.”
Despite losing to Saratoga on Tuesday, October 8th, he team is looking strong heading into CCS.
For more on the teams’ performance in todays match and an interview with Coach Harader watch the video above.
