By Madi Massey ’21
Despite the minor weather related obstacles which the tennis teams encountered at the beginning of the year, they participated in many practices and games throughout the season. Late October brought on an intense heat wave, but unlike the beginning of the year, the recent 105 degree weather did not qualify for a cancelled practice or game due to the athletic department’s heat index, which factors in both temperature and humidity.
The varsity squad won Mission League 7-1 and qualified for CIF playoffs, where they lost to Palos Verdes 15-3. While the season ended for most of them on Nov. 1, Erica Ekstrand ’20 competed in the individual CIF tournament on Nov. 20 and lost in the last round of Sectionals to a player from Arroyo Grande High School.
The JV season ended on Oct. 19 after a match against Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, where they won 11-4. Their overall record in season was 9-2, and their league record was 6-2, which placed them at third place in the league. The squad had only freshmen and sophomores playing, making it a particularly young team.

“I love participating in tennis because of the amazing coaches, supportive team and how much I learned being part of the team. I had such a fun time getting to know my teammates and learning how to become a better tennis player,” Kylie Azizzadeh ’21 said.
As for the middle school teams, the red team finished fourth in league and qualified for playoffs, but lost to the black team in the playoff semi-finals. The black team was undefeated in league and got to the playoff finals, but lost to Marlborough on Nov. 3 in a close match which came down to a tiebreaker.
“I was so proud of our girls this year. Both teams were incredibly coachable and showed a lot of integrity on and off the court,” middle school tennis coach Sirsa Shekim said.
The girls who were on the middle school team also said they enjoyed playing.
“This past season was an amazing experience. It was my second time being team captain, and I was so grateful for the opportunity. I really enjoyed meeting a lot of new seventh graders and playing with girls that I have played with in the past! We had a tremendous season!” black team captain Jade Zoller ’22 said.
Overall, faculty in the athletic department said they are proud of the success and accomplishments of all the tennis teams this year.
“It’s been a really great year for tennis,” Athletic Director Darlene Bible said.