Varsity girls tennis lost to Bonita at home, losing 4-14 Thursday, Sept. 26.
Bonita is a Division I school which marks their third match against more competitive schools in the Palomares league after matches against Claremont and Ayala.
“They’re always a really good team,” varsity girls tennis coach Joe Fasheh said. “The move to the new league means everything is new to us, and it’s going to be a new experience. We’ll definitely have to use different dynamics in this game.”
In the first round, Walnut struggled to gain footing as singles one freshman Brigitte Hsieh began her set down 1-2. Long rallies were ended by Bonita in either strong backhand or forehand shots to the outside. Despite strong efforts such as a short serve for an ace and short volleys to win some points, Hsieh ultimately lost 1-6.
“When you play against someone that’s better than you, your mentality is kind of like practice,” Hsieh said. “So, rather than only thinking of winning, it’s more like I’m trying to learn and get better from the other person.”
In the same round, singles two freshman Megan Bui had similar struggles as Bui got to 1-2 in the set. In spite of similar efforts through strong serves and forehand shots, Bui also lost 1-6.
“I feel like I could have beaten her,” Bui said. “I’m going to take the disappointment of today and channel it towards getting better. I want to improve to not lose anymore.”
Walnut gained some momentum in the first set when doubles two seniors Olivia Bromberg and Charlize Wong won their set 6-4 through strong rally play. Originally, the Walnut duo played traditionally, with one in the back and front. However, after some weak volley play, the Mustangs adjusted to a double back set up where the pair was able to use a combination of high balls and overheads to lead them to their victory.
“This was actually the first time me and Charlize played doubles this year,” Bromberg said. “We definitely had to reconnect and develop a strategy where we both played from the back. Uplifting each other throughout the game was also a big part of it.” Ω
Disclaimer: Deck was changed for clarity compared to the print issue of Issue 1 in The Hoofprint.
