With a finalist position in the playoffs last year, the girls’ tennis, 1-0, has high hopes for what they can accomplish this season.

“I hope we make the playoffs this year,” coach Andrew Horen said. 

“I think we will and it would be great to go as far as we could.”

Both Horen and senior Joanna Huang, a co-captain with junior Kali Lapeyre, believe that having greater fan support due to the courts being on campus will galvanize the team to achieve unthinkable things.

The Gondos feel confident about their match against Palisades Thursday, Horen said.

On an especially busy day with a pep rally and football’s first home match, girls’ tennis, 1-0, beat Hamilton in a convincing 7–0 victory last Thursday.

According to tennis coach Andrew Horen, many of the players on the team came back after being down by multiple points, highlighting the spirit of the team. 

Many of the doubles teams, although inexperienced, had a good showing, playing quite cohesively.

However, despite the team’s unyielding ability to persevere against their opponents with full force, “patience was key today, as you have to find the right time to play aggressively,” said Huang. 

This may be something for the team to consider as the season begins.

It was a momentous occasion for the girls’ team as not only was it their first win of the season–and it all happened during their first match on the new tennis courts at Venice High. 

Although construction finished about a year ago, the boys’ team were the first to use the courts during their spring season.

“It was nice,” said Huang. “It’s definitely more intense because compared to last season, you’re surrounded by more people you know.”

Last year, the team played at nearby Mark Twain Middle School’s tennis courts, while the Venice courts were undergoing construction.

Huang had a game to remember, beating Hamilton’s number one singles player.

Freshman and number four singles player Meagan Wong won quite decisively in her first home game, Horen said. “She’s really steady and disciplined on the ball, and it’s good to have a freshman step up.”

According to Horen, new sophomore Katjah Gayley also had a good set of doubles alongside fellow sophomore Desyray Chan.

“The doubles teams are getting used to playing with each other, and tennis is a mental sport, and I think it’s just about overcoming those nerves,” he said.