Despite a shortage of boys, the tennis team won its season opener 6-3 on Feb. 28 against visiting Highlands at Rio del Oro Sports Club.
Sophomore Vanessa Escobar won her debut singles match 6-1, 6-0. Junior Shiva Wolf did the same, winning 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. Team captains Sanjana Anand, a sophomore, and Keshav Anand, a junior, secured victories as well (6-0, 6-0 and 6-2, 6-3, respectively), giving SCDS a singles sweep.
Juniors Shelly Zalezniak and Ashwin Rohatgi won in mixed doubles, with freshman Samhita Kumar and sophomore Tina Huang prevailing in girls doubles as well.
Escobar enjoyed her match and looks forward to future competitions.
“It was very exciting winning my first match as a singles player,” Escobar said. “The best part was when I volleyed the ball and hit it to the opposite side of my opponent.”
However, she said she needs to work on her backhand.
Keshav Anand said his serving and movement were his strong points.
“The first set, I was still getting into the groove,” Keshav said. “(In) the second set, I came back from being down 3-1. One highlight was when I hit a shot (facing) backwards and ended up winning the point.”
Keshav said he could have improved his approach shots but did well for the first performance in the season.
Sanjana Anand noted that the team can still do better.
“I think we need to improve with communication, especially (in) doubles,” Sanjana said. “We had some last-minute teams, so once we have fixed doubles, we need to have collaboration.”
The Cavs’ only loss on the court came in girls doubles, with sophomores Sicily Schroeder and Amanda Reese.
Highlands’ other two victories, both in boys doubles, came by forfeit.
The Cavs face Linden in another home match on March 5 at 4 p.m.
—By Nihal Gulati
