Athletics

Game Summaries

Tennis Season 2009

No two Emma Willard preseason tennis training camps are the same. This year was no exception. With the largest number of new faces the team has seen in quite a while, the team ballooned to 27 players. In addition to the twelve returning team members—Lauren, Callie, Tergel, Colleen, Kacey, Annie, Shibani, Jenn, Hannah, Aiko, Chandana and Molly—five other returning students came out for the team—Meryll, Maya, Yiheng, Mayan and Florrie. The team also saw an influx of brand new faces from as far away as Mexico and as close as Loudonville—Nicole, Steck, Jenn, Lilly, Sonja , Amy, Mitali, Maya, Mel and Cathleen. The varsity team has been split into two—the starting line-up and exhibition. Under a coaching staff of three—Jude, Jeremy, and Emma—and a active Team Leadership Council (aka: TLC)—Callie, Colleen, Jenn, Shibani, and Chandana—the team is working hard to make this the most rewarding season yet.

EW 7–Amsterdam 2

Our team had a mixed start to the season, with some players coming out of the gates on fire while others struggled to find their groove until later in their matches. Jenn at #3 singles, Mitali at #4 singles, and Maya at #6 singles came out swinging. Jenn played aggressive, assertive tennis, using good ball placement to set herself up for trips to the net. Mitali used well-grooved groundies and attacked her opponent’s second serve with precision. Maya used excellent footwork and patience to out steady her opponent. Shibani at #1 singles, Molly at #2 singles and Annie at #5 singles got out to slower starts and played a little too cautiously for their skill levels. Shibani finally started swinging later in the second set and simply ran out of time to mount a comeback. Molly tried to force the issue against her backboard opponent but found her approach shots were not working as well as they could to set her up for a volley put away. Annie kept fighting hard after dropping the first set and finally broke through her nervousness.

The doubles teams, only being paired together for a week to date, showed glimmers of what they can become. Chandana and Callie, initially unsettled by the net, kicked up their energy level and aggressiveness. Cathleen and Tergel faced the same issue but finally started attacking the net. Tergel’s solid serve set up Cathleen for some great volley winners. Mel and Kacey showed their chemistry by good on-court communication, including the occasional high five. With her on-court poise and excellent focus, Mitali was awarded Hoppy for this match.

Overall a good start to the season.

Shibani 2-6, 6-7
Molly 6-7, 6-3, 1-6
Jenn 6-2, 6-0
Mitali 6-0, 6-0
Annie 3-6, 6-3, 6-2
Maya 6-4, 6-1
Callie/Chandana 6-0, 6-1
Cathleen/Tergel 6-2, 6-1
Kacey/Mel 6-3, 6-0

EW 3–Shenendehowa 6

Hitting the road for the first time this season, Emma Willard was excited to face off against the historically strong Shen team. Emma tennis gave Shen a tough fight even though some of the scores may not reflect it.
The singles lineup went 2-6. Molly had a marathon match at #2. Still not playing at 100% of her potential, she did manage to squeeze out the match on shear will alone. Playing defensively versus taking control of the point, Molly scrambled from ball to ball. Molly was awarded Hoppy for her never-give-up attitude on the court today. Mitali played another solid match at #4. Using patience, PRPR, and excellent ball placement, she found the right opportunities in each rally to put the ball away. Shibani, still early in the season, was struggling a little to play to her true potential started to come around in the second set. She asserted herself more on the court. However, while controlling some of the points from the first hit, it was her opponent who seemed to get the first big strike on the ball. Jenn started the match a little flat footed and with a slow racket. Never getting discouraged, she kept fighting and raised her energy level. Trying to be the aggressor, Jenn’s opponent simply out steadied her. Annie started her match a little slower than she would have liked. Never losing faith in herself, she kept on fighting. Playing a little tentatively early in the match, she finally increased her racket head speed and had more success.

The doubles team continued to jell, with a new team at #1. Callie and Maya made their debut. Showing good on-court chemistry, they kept each other positive throughout the match and showed good volley skills when they ventured to the net. Cathleen and Tergel, with an early first set lead, started to struggle to close out the set. Unable to slow their opponents down, the match got away from them. Once again they showed us this team has great potential as they played some strong doubles points here and there. Mel and Kacey showcased their never-give-in attitudes. Mel scrambled from sideline to sideline keeping the ball in play. Kacey looked for opportunities at the net to put the ball away. After breezing through the first set but dropping the second, they hung in there as they played a tough marathon doubles match.

The Shen match gave us an opportunity to benchmark our progress as a team. There is a lot of hard work ahead but the team is not far off the mark. Things look promising as we face off against another strong Class AA team next week at Guilderland.

Shibani 4-6, 4-6
Molly 6-4, 3-6, 7-6
Jenn 1-6, 1-6
Mitali 6-0, 6-0
Annie 3-6, 3-6
Chandana 1-6, 2-6
Callie/Maya 1-6, 3-6
Cathleen/Tergel 5-7, 3-6
Kacey/Mel 6-3, 4-6, 6-3

Exhibition
EW 8–Colonie 1

Playing the first full exhibition team match of the season, Emma Willard was ready to take over the courts. Colonie gave several players a tough fight, but Emma Willard came out swinging with a match score of 8-1.

One of the most challenging aspects of the Colonie match was the scoring; playing against a very young team that had not been exposed to much match play, Emma Willard came out of a few self-scored matches with inconsistent scoring standards, although all parties agreed to the results of each match.

The singles line-up went 6-0. Lauren, match captain and #1 singles player, started off strongly, demonstrating her characteristic calm match demeanor, excellent concentration, and aggressive points. Her “attack” mindset tapered in the middle of the match, however, leveling the match until the very end, when she solidified her baseline hitting and concentrated on consistency to take the match. Sonja, match captain and #2 singles player, played a solid game that ended 10-1; she blasted through each point with consistent baseline hitting, waiting for errors from her opponent. Steck, at #3 singles, demonstrated nice groundstroke form, but struggled at the beginning with returning her opponent’s soft, shallow shots. Finally withstanding the temptation to wind up 100% for every shot, Steck successfully decreased her unforced errors toward the middle of the match and slid to victory. Although she wasn’t feeling well, Lilly pulled through with a win in her match at the #4 singles spot, demonstrating real grit and resilience, though still occasionally letting her mental game get the best of her. Pun, a new player on the team, impressed her teammates with her solid groundstrokes, quick footwork, and consistently powerful serves; at #5 singles, she bested her opponent 8-1. Maya is new to singles, but did an admirable job at the #6 spot, steadily returning each shot with a positive attitude and good humor that exemplified good sportsmanship.

The doubles team went 2-1. At #1 doubles, Meryll and Amy took the match 10-2, with Amy strategically prowling the baseline and Meryll concentrating on putting the balls away nicely. Mayan and Florrie fought hard for their match, eventually reining it in at 10-7, having focused on decreasing unforced errors and upping their aggression. Jen and Yi, at #3 doubles, struggled with keeping their points strategic and fluid, coming in at 7-10.

Emma Willard’s first exhibition match against Colonie gave the team an opportunity to assess its potential, as well as to focus on consistency and on maintaining a constant level of aggression and competitiveness. Our skill level looks promising as we face off against Averill Park at home in another exhibition match on Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Lauren 10-7
Sonja 10-1
Steck 6-4
Lilly 6-4
Pun 8-1
Maya 8-2
Meryll/Amy 10-2
Mayan/Florrie 10-7
Jen/Yi 7-10

EW 2–Guilderland 7

Hitting the road again, Emma Willard traveled to Guilderland. The team was a bit shorthanded, playing without an injured Shibani. As a result, all the singles players moved up a spot, and Hannah Haight stepped in as number six.

Molly played number one, and her opponent had very strong net play. Molly struggled with her passing game and continued to work on becoming more aggressive. Jenn played number two, and despite fighting till the end she fell to a strong opponent. Jenn continued to work on finding the right mix between being aggressive and going for a bit too much. Mitali played a very consistent opponent at number three but was able to wear her down while remaining aggressive. Annie did not play as well as she hoped and fell at number four. With grit and determination, Chandana showed the fight we are looking for from everyone, and she outlasted her opponent at number five. It took Hannah a few games to relax playing at number six, but her fight and sportsmanship were exemplary throughout, and she gained some very valuable experience.

The doubles teams also gained much needed match play. Cali and Maya played a hard-hitting number one doubles team, and despite continued improvement they were a bit passive at net. Tergel and Cathleen were never able to get into a rhythm against their opponents at number two. While they struggled with their focus, they showed signs of impressive on-court chemistry. The ‘late match’ featured Kacey and Mel at number three. Battling injuries, Mel hustled from the baseline and at net, frustrating her opponents with her quickness. Kacey was her consistent-self at the baseline, but she lacked the level of focus and aggressiveness at net that we were used to seeing.
While the match was a bit of a disappointment early in the season, individuals continue to work on their match-toughness. Hopefully the team will bounce back mentally, and these loses will become a springboard for success late in the season.

Molly 3-6, 5-7
Jenn 3-6, 6-7 (1-7)
Mitali 6-2, 6-2
Annie 2-6, 2-6
Chandana 2-6, 6-2, 6-4
Hannah 0-6, 2-6
Callie/Maya 2-6, 2-6
Cathleen/Tergel 2-6, 1-6
Mel/Kacey 5-7, 4-6

EW 9–Albany Academy 0

This match felt like a breakthrough match of sorts. From the top of the line up to the bottom, players starting playing more assertively, playing their own game and playing to win versus playing not to lose. Facing a solid Albany Academy team, the fact that EW won so decisively shows the team was focused from start to finish.
Molly played her best match of the season to date. She mixed in sliced angles with topspin groundstrokes, which kept her opponent off balance throughout the match. Still retreating a little too far behind the baseline at times, she did make an effort to recover to the baseline to hold on to a more aggressive court position.

Jenn, facing off against a friend, showed her true professionalism and sportsmanship. With an unwavering focus, she blasted her ground strokes rally after rally and attacked her opponent’s serve with some great down-the-line returns.

Mitali, who started the match a little tentatively, found her footing midway through the first set. Taking her eyes to the ball on every shot enabled her to swing with confidence. As a result, her groundstrokes penetrated the court and left her opponent running.

Annie gained some confidence she seemed to lack in previous matches. Remaining patient while pushed into some huge moonball rallies, she handled the change in pace well. Still struggling with her forehand, she kept her head in the game and did not beat herself but rather the opponent.

Chandana, who found her stride at the Guilderland match, didn’t skip a beat as she blew through her match. She moved the ball around the court with precision. With many high level rallies on display, Chandana’s competitive mentality won most of the points.

Aiko, debuting at #6 singles, starting out a little slow, soon found her rhythm and timing. Her groundstrokes started to fall nice and deep in the court, proving too much for her opponent.

The doubles teams kicked it up a notch this match with more focused and assertive play.

Maya and Callie came out swinging. Maya’s “happy feet” set the tone as she blasted groundies, shot after shot. Callie found her stride in the second set and pulled the team from down 1-3 to a second set victory. Callie and Maya’s on court communication, especially in the hardest part of the match, went a long way in helping them get back on track.

After hitting the first return of the match and moving in behind it to the net, Tergel set the tone for the day. No longer content to play defensive doubles, Tergel and Cathleen took control from the beginning. Playing against a very solid doubles teams, they made their presence known at the net. Never backing down, and making some necessary adjustments, they played their best match to date.

Kacey and Mel’s match ended on a fitting note. A trip by Mel down the yellow brick road, followed by a beautifully executed crosscourt volley. Kacey played very well from the back court, tracking down some very tough high floaters.

The team is moving in the right direction. With more work ahead, the sky is the limit. We keep the extended road trip going tomorrow when we face off with Ichabod Crane in Valatie.

Molly 6-1, 6-0
Jenn 6-1, 6-1
Mitali 6-2, 6-1
Annie 6-0, 6-1
Chandana 6-1, 6-0
Aiko 6-4, Default
Callie/Maya 6-1, 6-3
Cathleen/Tergel 6-1, 6-4
Kacey/Mel 6-1, 6-1

EW 9–Ichabod Crane 0

Hitting the road again, Emma Willard traveled to Ichabod Crane. The team’s confidence was evident, and everyone seemed ready and focused.

Molly continued to play aggressively and looked really comfortable taking charge of points. Jenn fought tooth and nail; although she did not play her best tennis, she persevered in the end, showcasing some really good PRPR and staying focused. Mitali played another solid match and worked hard at staying aggressive and focused. While her backhand started to become a bit unsteady, Mitali continued to take charge of the points. Annie played some of her most consistent tennis to date this year, and her hustle and focus was evident. Chandana kept up her fight, drove the points with her groundstrokes, and came into the net when the opportunity presented itself. Hannah got more comfortable in her second singles match; she looked consistent and aggressive and gained more valuable match experience.

Cali and Maya were awarded Hoppie for their continued on-court chemistry and improvement at the net. In their match they showcased their solid, angled returns, tough serving, and improved volleys. Tergel and Cathleen enjoyed a bit of a homecoming (for Cathleen), and stayed focused in their efforts. They continued to look aggressive and worked on getting to the net. Kasey and Mel displayed focus and determination as they wore down their opponents with speed and consistency.

While the team’s victory was important, individual focus was a real highlight. The match served as great experience, especially for focus and mental conditioning. Looking ahead, the team hopes to continue its positive conditioning so that everyone is match-tough later in the season.

Molly 6-0, 6-2
Jenn 6-4, 7-5
Mitali 6-0, 6-0
Annie 6-2, 6-0
Chandana 6-1, 6-1
Hannah 6-2, 6-0
Callie/Maya 6-1, 6-0
Cathleen/Tergel 6-4, 6-2
Kacey/Mel 6-0, 6-2

EW 7 ½–Holy Names 1 ½

Facing off against one of the top Class A teams, Emma Willard rose to the challenge and played their best match as an entire team to date. The doubles line up kicked it up a notch and really showed, across the board, they can play aggressive tactical doubles.

Molly was challenged at #1 singles, facing a hard hitting, highly competitive opponent. Forced to defend during most rallies, Molly covered the court extremely well. She dug out shot after shot, chasing balls hit like lasers from one side of the baseline to the other. Although she was disappointed with her loss, she should be proud of her on-court fight and tenacity. Down 1-4 in the second set, she kept working hard and pushed the score to 3-6.

Jenn seemed to be in the zone during this match. Striking the ball extremely well and with confidence she blew through her opponent 6-1, 6-3. She channeled what could have become negative energy into positive, remained calm and composed, and simply took care of business. Hitting more freely than in previous matches, her serve was on for most of the match.

Shibani eased back into match play with a bang after a two-week layoff due to injury. Moving the ball extremely well, her opponent did not really have much chance to dictate in any rally. Although a little sluggish later on in the match, a few Nabisco crackers later, Shibani saw the finish line and closed out the match efficiently 6-0, 6-2.

Mitali played the most precise match she has to date. Picking the right time to approach the net, she did so successfully numerous times. Only coming in on well placed deep down the line shots, she set up her volley beautifully. Using great PRPR she did not let her opponent’s improved play in the second set get to her. She simply stepped it up a notch, kept on playing her game, and closed it out 6-1, 6-1.

Annie played her most aggressive match of the season. She took advantage of balls hit short to her in the court and either hit them for winners or approached the net of them. Unfortunately, her opponent fell on the court during the first set and was unable to complete the match.
Chandana ran through her match in record time. Her well-struck groundstrokes were too much for her opponent. Before anyone really had a chance to watch Chandana in action she was off the court. A nice concise win, 6-1, 6-1.

Some unknown planetary alignment must have happened as the doubles teams played out of this world.

Callie and Maya went on the court knowing it was time to makes things happen. Mentally taking note they needed to communicate well and increase their on-court energy, they were a different team altogether. The tentative play that had plagued them in the past was nowhere to be seen. Striking their returns with confidence and purpose, they didn’t get down on themselves when missing a few. They realized that tennis is a game of mistakes and it is far better to go down swinging and playing to one’s own potential rather than playing tentatively low energy tennis.

Cathleen and Tergel looked sharper than ever in their match. Cathleen, with renewed focus, and Tergel, with her always positive demeanor, took the match into their own hands. Continually moving forward off their returns, or any ball that brought them into the net, they consistently, rally after rally, applied pressure on their opponents. Looking like a well-groomed doubles team, they never backed down from the net, making some incredible volley put aways.

Similar to Chandana’s match, Kacey and Mel were off the court in record time. Playing against a hit or miss team they didn’t know what to expect. Staying focused and aggressive at net (as always), they steam rolled 6-0, 6-1. This doubles duo was awarded Hoppy for never backing down and fighting hard.

Molly 4-6, 3-6
Jenn 6-1, 6-3
Shibani 6-0, 6-2
Mitali 6-1, 6-1
Annie 6-1, default
Chandana 6-1, 6-1
Callie/Maya 6-1, 6-1
Cathleen/Tergel 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, halted due to darkness
Kacey/Mel 6-0, 6-1

Exhibition
EW 3–Averill Park 6

The second full exhibition match of the season proved to be a tough fight. Although some players refused to give up the court without a victory, others lost amid a torrent of neck-and-neck points, and a few others found themselves defeated by their own mindset.

The singles line-up went 1-6, which came as a surprise for many players. Lauren, match captain and #1 singles player, proved the only Emma Willard victor on the singles courts. As usual, Lauren demonstrated excellent foresight to both her groundstrokes and her points as a whole. She maintained a calm, competitive demeanor, and although she lost a bit of fight in the middle of her match, she regained her focus to win. As the #2 singles player, Pun struggled to maintain her usual level of play. Felled by her own errors and double-faults, she was frustrated by her uncharacteristic inconsistency, while still staying positive throughout the match. Sonja, at #3 singles, faced off against an opponent with a very similar playing style; as such, the two dueled for each point, and Sonja lost only after a nail-biting tiebreaker. At #4 singles, Steck was frustrated by unforced errors in her groundstrokes, causing a lack of concentration and unenthusiastic footwork. Lilly, at #5, played a tight match until she fell hard on her wrist, necessitating that she forfeit the match to visit the athletic trainer. Maya, #6 singles player and match captain, cheerily rallied in a focused, groundstroke-heavy match, patiently battling through long points but still coming up short in the end.

The doubles team went 2-1. At #1 doubles, Meryll and Mayan proved their chemistry as a doubles team. Both are solid hitters and quick movers, although they struggled a bit with keeping certain areas of the court covered. Playing together for the first time, Amy and Florrie easily won in the #2 spot. With Amy’s powerful groundstrokes and Florrie’s quick reactions, the two won in 10 undefeated games. At #3, Nicole and Yi played a close match, only losing in a neck-and-neck tiebreaker. The two showed significant improvement in their consistency level, both at net and at the baseline.

Emma Willard’s exhibition match against Averill Park gave the team the opportunity to pinpoint certain match scenarios to work on, as well as to give the team practice in competitive and aggressive play. Our tennis game looks promising as we match up against Maple Hill at home tomorrow.

Lauren 10-8
Pun 8-10
Sonja 9-10 (5-7)
Steck 2-10
Lilly 5-5 (forfeit)
Maya 5-10
Meryll and Mayan 10-4
Amy and Florrie 10-0
Nicole and Yiheng 9-10 (6-8)

Exhibition
EW 8–Maple Hill 1

Emma Willard’s third full exhibition match was a demonstration of concentration and positive energy. Players that were previously in doubt of their ability to clinch a match came out on top in aggressive matches that gave the team the confidence it was needing.

The singles line-up went 6-0. At the first singles spot, Lauren delivered fast and low serves to an opponent who struggled to return her strategic shots. Again using her instinctive concentration and calm energy to propel herself through the match, Lauren responded to her opponent’s challenge with a blazing backhand and an aggressive set-up. At #2, Pun played with better technique than she did in the Averill Park match, but she still admits to playing well below her ability. She found it difficult to return her opponent’s soft shots with her usual deep, top-spun ground strokes, forcing more errors into her points than one would expect. Still, Pun handily took the match, again demonstrating her exemplary footwork and formidable form. Sonja had another very consistently played match at the #3 spot. Playing as a human backboard, she hit shot after shot back to her opponent, who tried her best to move Sonja around the court until being forced to an error. At #4, Steck was by far the most improved player of the day. After weeks of playing below her ability, she finally regained the deep, powerful ground stroke that earned Steck her singles spot on the team. Playing with enthusiasm and aggression, she threw caution to the wind and defeated her opponent in a precise, strategic match. Maya, playing at #5 today, again demonstrated her incredible sportsmanship and good spirit. She played with admirable consistency; her ground strokes were nicely set up and her focus never left her points. As always, Maya proved a very affable opponent, making her rival feel at ease throughout the match. Meryll played her first official singles match today, coming in at #6. Using the quick hustle and immediate reactions that her doubles training has honed, she responded to her opponent’s shots with consistent, well-placed hits.

The doubles line-up went 2-1. The first doubles team, comprised of Mayan and Amy, won easily in a blow-out match. Amy’s ground strokes have significantly improved from the start of the season, while Mayan’s reaction time at the net and at mid-court gave the team many winning points. Nicole and Florrie played at #2 doubles. Combining Florrie’s focused mid-point energy and Nicole’s solid hits, the two won their match with only two games lost. As they look toward their next match, Florrie and Nicole will be working on maintaining their aggression level and prompting more competitive points. At #3 doubles, Yi and Jen played a tough match with two players in Maple Hill’s singles line-up. Despite their opponents’ experience, Yi and Jen eked out eight victorious games, despite losing their match. Jen proved a formidable presence at net, while Yi showed improvement back at the baseline.

Overall, the Emma Willard exhibition team played its most talented match yet. The concentration and fight level were significantly higher than in previous matches, which give the team a standard to achieve and surpass in upcoming games.

Lauren 6-0, 6-1
Pun 6-3, 6-0
Sonja 6-1, 6-0
Steck 6-1, 6-1
Maya 6-2, 6-1
Meryll 6-0, 6-1
Amy and Mayan 6-0, 6-1
Nicole and Florrie 6-1, 6-1
Yi and Jen 4-6, 4-6

EW 8–Colonie 1

Molly continued her win streak at number one singles, playing focused tennis and taking command of most points. Molly kept hitting aggressive shots and moving the ball around the court, wearing out her opponent. Jen lost a tough battle at number two; after splitting sets, Jen seemed to let her focus down a little bit in the third and final set. An issue that Jen continued to work on is extending the points and not giving up too many unforced errors. Shibani continued her comeback at number three and looked very comfortable on the court. She moved her opponent around tactfully and closed out points with ease. Mitali played a solid match from the baseline and worked on staying focused and pushing herself to serve with pace and precision. Chandana battled again at number five, and although the score indicated an easy match, she fought for each point. Chandana demonstrated the same mental focus and fortitude we have come to expect. Because Annie was out, Aiko played number six. Aiko remained focused and consistent, and she picked up her game in the second set after she won a tough first set in a tiebreak.

Doubles continued to show improvement with both focus and aggressiveness. Callie and Maya persevered after a tough first set, and both players continued to show the communication and energy that will be especially useful later in the season. Tergel and Cathleen played an aggressive match, and they both made it to the net whenever possible. Kacey and Mel got the job done with consistency and solid net play.

The Colonie match gave everyone more needed match experience as the team turns toward the final half of their short season. The team energy and unity was impressive, and players continue to improve with their mental preparedness and focus. Players look to improve even more in next week’s matches, as sectionals loom in the distance.

Molly 6-2, 6-2
Jenn 2-6, 6-1, 2-6
Shibani 6-1, 6-0
Mitali 6-1, 6-0
Chandana 6-0, 6-0
Aiko 7-6 (7-4), 6-2
Callie/Maya 7-6 (7-4), 6-2
Cathleen/Tergel 6-4,  6-3
Kacey/Mel 6-0, 6-1

EW 8–Holy Names 1

With this match, our team got acclimated to the usual weather one faces at sectionals. Playing in what felt like 40 degree weather, the team heated up the courts with solid play over Holy Names.

The doubles line-up created the most drama, with two teams coming from behind in their closing sets to take the win. Callie and Maya, after taking the first set, found themselves down 4-5 in the second. Their growth as a team came to light as they remained positive, kept on communicating, and kept on playing assertively. They ran off three games in a row to close out the match 7-5. Tergel and Cathleen found themselves in a huge hole in their third set. After struggling to take the first set 7-5, they dropped the second 1-6. Down 1-4 in the third, things did not look hopeful. But as everyone knows, in tennis it is never over until the last ball is struck. Did this ring true today! Tergel and Cathleen forced themselves to kick up their aggressiveness. Even though they were passed quite a few times down the line, they kept the pressure on their opponents. Finally some opportunities arose, and Tergel and Cathleen took them by executing some great put-away volleys. They clinched the third set, 7-5. Kacey and Mel at #3 doubles kept their successful season going with another highly efficient win. Never looking back, they romped their opponents using their usual style of play—Kacey being nice and consistent from the baseline, and Mel using her super-aggressive game style to put balls away at the net.

Singles looked on their game today. Molly, playing at #1, played a well-executed match. Changing her strategy from the last time she faced the same opponent, the match was a lot closer than the score reflects. Focusing more on breaking down her opponent’s backhand and mixing in some very effective short chip shots, Molly found herself in the majority of the rallies. Her opponent was no longer dictating point after point like the last time around. Getting down on herself a little during the match, using her PRPR around 80% of the match, she couldn’t break into her opponent’s head. Molly kept tough and played one of her better matches of the season. Shibani looked extremely sharp at #2. Staying down beautifully on the ball, she placed her shots with the utmost precision. Hitting line after line and moving her opponent from side to side, her opponent could not enter into any rally. Shibani took control from the first strike and never let up. Jenn, looked comfortable at #3 singles. Playing within herself, she used her solid topspin forehand to out-steady her opponent. Keeping the ball in play, she forced her opponent to make the error. Mitali got off to a slower start than she would have liked. Not having played a match for a while, it took Mitali the better part of the first set to get in the groove. Not using her legs, not getting her eyes down to the ball and facing a slow paced ball from her opponent, she found some shots sailing. Mitali weathered the storm and soon found her way. With the first set under her belt, Mitali got the nerves out and cruised through the second, 6-1. Annie played her best match to date. Her forehand looked solid and consistent. Taking advantage of some shorter hit balls, Annie moved forward into the court and put away some great volley winners. Chandana came out swinging and extremely focused at #6. Striking the ball with authority, once again she was off the court in record time.

With one more regular season match to play, next Monday, the team is well poised going into sectionals. Toughened by less than ideal weather conditions today, the team is ready to face any challenge that arises. What it really comes down to is: Who owns this court?

Molly 3-6, 2-6
Shibani 6-1, 6-0
Jenn 6-1, 6-2
Mitali 6-4, 6-1
Annie 6-3, 6-2
Chandana 6-0, 6-0
Callie/Maya 6-4, 7-5
Tergel/Cathleen 7-5, 1-6, 7-5
Kacey/Mel 6-2, 6-2

EW 9–Albany Academy 0

Albany Academy came to us for our last regular season match. The team looked focused and determined to close out the regular season with a strong showing. From top to bottom everyone put forth solid performances as the team gained momentum heading into team sectionals.
Molly played one of her most focused and consistent matches to date. She hit within her game and was aggressive at the same time. Molly continued to look for opportunities to attack her opponent and showcased an improved confidence and focus. Shibani had to play through some pain in her match. Despite that, she played hard and pulled out the victory. Jenn played one of her most consistent matches and continued to work on the art of playing ‘smart’ aggressive. She worked the rallies and looked for the right time to attack. Mitali came out firing from the baseline; she was focused and aggressive, and it was apparent that she was determined to avoid a slow start. Annie continued her consistent play from the baseline and wore down her opponent with a mixture of varied pace and depth. Despite an easy time, Annie showed very impressive focus throughout the match. Sahana saved up her fight for next time as her opponent was out sick.

Callie and Maya played another solid match. They played relaxed and handled the big points with focus and teamwork. Both Callie and Maya hit volley winners and showcased their improvement at the net. Tergel and Cathleen continued to be aggressive and approach the net relentlessly. They wore down their opponents with consistent groundstrokes and fearless volleys. Kasey and Mel were off the court in typical speedy fashion. They worked together at the net and at the baseline and stayed focused throughout.

The team members are healthy and ready for Shaker in Sectionals. After a successful regular season, Sectionals will serve as the culmination of the season’s hard work and determination. Marked improvement has been made by individuals across the lineup, strengthening the team as a whole, and it is with that strength that the team hopes to capitalize and peak in Sectionals!

Molly 6-0, 6-0
Shibani 6-3, 6-1
Jenn 6-0, 6-0
Mitali 6-2, 6-1
Annie 6-2, 6-0
Chandana default
Callie/Maya 6-1, 6-1
Tergel/Cathleen 6-1, 6-2
Kacey/Mel 6-0, 6-0

EW 3–Shaker 6

The team was ready to rumble but it was not to be. The team gathered early on the EW courts to hit out some nerves and to focus on the task ahead. After a good warm up, the team headed over to Shaker for the biggest match of the season and the opening of sectional team competition.

Molly knew she faced a tough opponent in Shaker’s #1. Focused and up to the task, Molly gave it her all. She simply got out hit. Molly was unable to gain a lead at any point during the match as her opponent kept coming full force. Molly hustled and hustled but got pushed far behind the baseline and was unable to cut off her opponent’s sharp angled groundstrokes. Molly kept a fighting on-court presence throughout the match and showed she has what it takes to compete in the #1 spot. Shibani, as always, went out on the court to win. Not knowing what to expect against an expert squash player, Shibani stayed focused and played her game. Blowing through the first set things got tight in the second. Down 4-5, Shibani realized her opponent’s drop shots were getting the better of her. Pushing through her nerves and recognizing this pattern of play, Shibani adjusted and took the second deciding set in a well played tie-breaker. Jenn had a tough day at #3. Facing the type of opponent most of us hate to play, the human backboard, she knew she would be in for a long day. With very few errors coming off her opponent’s racket, Jenn was the one trying to make things happen. Realizing she needed to settle down and extend the rallies, she did just that. However, she became a little too tentative during some rallies and failed to capitalize on balls that were hers for the taking. Mitali’s match summed up her whole season of smart play. She eased into her match nicely with well placed groundstrokes. As she gained momentum, she moved forward into the court beautifully and executed some well-placed volley put-aways. Regaining confidence on her serve, the windy match conditions did not seem to faze her one bit. Annie played her match of the season and really left it all out of the court. After dropping the first set 2-6, Annie pulled herself together and regrouped. She battled for every point and gave the fight of her life. Using excellent PRPR, her fist pumps were awesome! True to the person she is, Chandana gave it 100% and more. Unwilling to let the match go, she battled for the first set. Unable to convert on multiple match points, she kept on fighting. In the end it paid off as she took the tiebreaker 9-7. Chandana kept focused and kept her adrenaline going, breezing through the second set to take the match.

Tergel and Cathleen had opportunities against their very formidable opponents. They tried over and over to refocus and gather some momentum, but their opponents executed a strong game plan and capitalized on the big points; Tergel and Cathleen fell victim to too many deuce points and were left with an uphill battle that was ultimately a bit too steep. Kacey and Mel played a tough, seasoned team. The first set was over quickly, but in the second set Kacey and Mel settled in and rose to the challenge; the set was filled with tough points, both teams battling. Their opponents edged out the set, but Kacey and Mel played determined and focused and did not go down without a fight. Contrary to normal protocol, Callie and Maya were the last match on court and found themselves on show court #1. Unfazed by the added pressure, they displayed the solid doubles team they have become. Looking like a true doubles team versus two singles players playing doubles, they gave the Shaker team a run for their money. The match was entertaining to watch as Callie and Maya not only served very well, they poached and were really a factor at the net.

The match was a hard loss to take but showcased once again, Emma tennis is here to stay. The Individual sectionals start next week with 6 players representing Emma Willard. Stay tuned.

Molly 2-6, 2-6
Shibani 6-1, 7-6 (7-4)
Jenn 3-6, 4-6
Mitali 6-1, 6-1
Annie 2-6, 5-7
Chandana 7-6 (9-7), 6-2
Callie/Maya 3-6, 4-6
Cathleen/Tergel 1-6, 2-6
Mel/Kacey 2-6, 5-7