The Malden High School Girls’ Tennis team launches its season with five competitive matches, showcasing both individual triumphs and areas for improvement. The team battles hard, securing several victories while also identifying key areas to refine as they set their sights on another successful season.
Senior captain Sarah Pham delivered an impressive performance, winning both of her singles matches 6-2 and 6-3. Despite the victories, Pham was not entirely satisfied: “I thought I could have done better. I’m a little disappointed, but, you know, it’s still a win,” she explained. Her powerful serves played a crucial role in her success. “My serves at the beginning, my God, they were beautiful. I had a few aces in there, too.” In tennis, an ace is when the point is awarded after an unreturned serve, with no rally.
Fellow senior captain Julianna Lin also secured two wins, both at 6-3, overcoming initial nerves and adjusting to the frosty 38°F weather. “I was nervous, but as I kept playing, I warmed up, especially because it was so cold. I was thinking, ‘oh my God, it’s going to be so cold,’ but as I warmed up, it got better, and I got more confident as I kept playing.”
Lin, having recently purchased a new, heavier racket, acknowledged that she was not as prepared as she could have been but remains confident in her ability to improve. “My backhand needs to be better,” she noted. “I need to get used to [the new racket] to improve.”
Unfortunately, Pham and Lin were the only players successful in winning two sets, with senior Ivana Marinkovic losing both of her matches and the doubles teams both winning one set, losing another, and losing in the tie-breaker round.
Despite the losses, the team remains optimistic about the season ahead. Pham reflected on her journey with the team, emphasizing how far she has come. “I started out four years ago, only learning tennis two weeks before tryouts. I’ve gone very far, from JVs to varsity singles, today singles three. Being around really good players has really helped me.”
Lin echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the team’s camaraderie and growth. “I think my mentality has gotten better throughout the years. I remember the first time I played a game, I was super nervous: I was shaking. And the more games I played, the more confidence I gained.”
With a team full of dedicated players, Malden looks to build on their skills and aim for another championship run. “I would love to see us grow as a team, grow skill-wise, and win GBL champs again,” Pham emphasized.
Lin added, “They’re all super fast learners. I’m really proud of every one of them. I want to see them play better and better every day because they’re all really passionate about it.”
As the seniors prepare for their final season, emotions run high. “It’s bittersweet because I really love the team this year and how much dedication they put into tennis,” Lin professed. “I really love tennis, I don’t want it to be over. But, y’know, when a chapter closes, a new chapter begins.” With a mix of experienced players and rising talent, the girls’ tennis team is ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead.
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