Girls tennis make historical CIF appearance

On Wednesday, Nov. 8, girls tennis competed in their last game of the season against Beckman High School, making it the farthest they have gotten in the playoffs since 1971. After being league champions and moving on to compete in semifinals, the team is proud of their season. “This season has definitely improved from our last in our attitudes. I think this year our team finally experienced what it was like to really want a win and to be able to keep fighting and pushing our limits,” Lauren Tran (’18) said. The team started off strong, winning their first four games against El Segundo High School, Beverly Hills High School, Archer High School and Culver City High School. Players say that the game against El Dorado High School was a very memorable win because of their work ethic and passion. “The most memorable part of our season was winning quarterfinals in CIF against El Dorado. It was arguably the toughest match we faced. It was one of the best feelings knowing you had a whole group of girls you could rely on,” Tran said. However, there is always room for improvement. Coach Wilston Poon is already planning and preparing the girls for next season so they can go even farther into the playoffs. “We have a great crew graduating, two seniors, and we should still be very competitive next season. The girls will get back to work and improve for next year and we will hopefully make another great run,” Poon said. Although seniors are celebrating their victory, the team is motivated and ready to improve for next season. “I think as a whole we can obviously play more to prepare, but none of us had been to the semifinal so I think we are much better prepared for playoffs next season mentally and will be more comfortable playing in more stressful matches,” Isabel Northington (’19) said.With Poon’s confidence in his team and motivation from the girls, next year will hopefully be another victory. “I think the girls are very motivated to improve and win the whole thing next year. It’s exciting when everyone gets on the same page,” Poon said.