Serving up a winning record

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Junior Kayla Castillo, who is currently on a four-match win streak with her doubles partner Bianca Ratnayake, volleys the ball over the net.

BY KATELYN BUCHALTER 

Editor in Chief 

            Girls tennis has begun the season with a strong 10-3 record. The team currently leads the GMC White Division with 9-0 record in the division and ranks fourth overall in the county. 

            After a previous year featuring a majority senior varsity team, the girls started fresh. They’ve begun to reevaluate the best traits of the team and what contributes to their positive record. “I think our best qualities are definitely the connections we have with each other as a team,” said stated doubles player Kayla Castillo. “We understand that tennis is usually an individual sport, but I would also say that it’s also the reason why winning feels as good as it does.” 

            Positivity has kept the girls working hard and striving for great outcomes. “Our goal is to win our division and become the first Old Bridge girls’ tennis team to do so,” said junior Aanya Patel, who has accrued an 8-4 record playing doubles. 

            Wins have piled up against teams, including Monroe, a tough out-of-division match-up. “I am most proud of my match with Monroe!” expressed junior third singles player Esha Mehta, who won her match against Monroe in straight sets. “It is a red division team, and many of our teammates, including me, rose to the occasion and won.” 

Senior Gabriela Kotowicz, who has played first and second singles, uses a two-handed backhand swing to hit the ball.

            Part of this season’s success relates directly to the team’s hard work and preparation. “The night before a match, I get a good night’s sleep. Then, before the match, I have a good meal, later a good warmup, and a small snack, and a drink with electrolytes,” expressed singles player Kamilah Oulahrir. “Also, I prepare mentally.” 

            The team has high hopes for the rest of the season, many of which are not far out of reach for the girls. “Our goals are to do our very best by working our very best. We always support and encourage each other. We want to take the greatest opportunity we have to win every possible match we walk into,” added freshman doubles player Bianca Ratnayake. “Regardless of if we win or lose, we make sure to improve our game.” 

Junior Prisha Pattanshetty, who has earned nine wins in doubles matches, follows through her swing.

            “The team’s goal for the season is to play our best and move up a division,” shared Oulahrir. If they can stay atop the White Division for the rest of the season, the team has a good chance of advancing to the very competitive Red Division next year. 

            The girl’s will take on Scotch Plains-Fanwood at home at 4:00 PM on October 14 and will continue working for a top finish in their division. 

Posted on 10/11/24 

Freshman Kamilla Oulahrir, who has excelled with a 7-4 record in the first singles slot, bends down to reach the ball with her racket.
Junior singles player Esha Mehta prepares to hit the ball.

Photos by Katelyn Buchalter