After finishing at 6-6 in the Cypress Division, the girls’ tennis team moved up to the Mission Division and are showing they belong. “I think it’s been a good challenge for us, and helped accelerate our growth as a team,” new head coach Naveed Habibelahian said.
Habibelahian is no stranger to the program, as he served as the assistant coach for the boys’ varsity last year. “I felt the school supported and believed in me, so it just felt right to stay,” he said.
The team is led by returning senior captains Jazlene Meza and Marisol Mederos. Rounding out the team are juniors Allison Larios, Giselle Palma, Maryfer Gonzalez-Calderon, Jenyfer Gonzalez-Calderon, Emma Ocampo, Gianna Marquez, sophomores Lissete Puga, Samantha Abergos, Destiny Tinoca-Tena, Isabella Mendiola, and freshman Gabriella Ortiz.
Mederos and Meza made the switch from doubles to singles. “It’s definitely been more of a challenge because in doubles I had my partner to help me out if I missed a ball and our chemistry was really good together,” Meza said. Mederos likes the change, “I like that singles is more competitive,” she said.
Juniors Shauri Gomez-Calderon and Allison Larios have great expectations for this year as they are first time double players playing significant roles on this year’s team. Habibelahian has high expectations for them, despite them being first time players and playing in a huge role this year, “Our doubles, as the season progresses, are going to get a lot better,” he said.
After going 1-2 in preseason, the girls are currently 4-4 in league, 5-6 overall, and sit in 4th place in the Mission Division. “I’m proud of the effort and results we’ve had so far going into the second half of league play, ” Habibelahian said.
According to Habibelahian, the team is in great spirits, understanding that they’re playing in a challenging division.”I expect us to keep competing hard, getting better every day,” he said. Meza agreed, “We’re hoping to maintain a positive mindset the rest of the season, keep putting in a good effort during practice, and finishing the season strong.”
