By Heaven Odhams and Ryan Collins, Student Journalists

(Richmond, California) – Focus, sportsmanship, passion, and coordination are the qualities needed to play any sport. Still, the Salesian Pride’s very own girls’ tennis team brought just that and more into Thursday’s matches against Saint Mary’s College High School. Their resilience and character were tested, and though the pride of lions crushed the panther’s strikes, they claimed victory in the Pride Den’s courts. Led by Leia Atendido and Sophie Wong, the team ended the match with an astounding 5-2 overall score against Saint Mary’s, with Rhianna Lope ending her match with a 6-2 set 1, a 2-6 set 2, and a 1-0 set 3. Next, Amel Moore, who is also the only freshman on the 25-26 Varsity Girls’ Tennis roster, ended her match with a 6-3 set 1 win and a 6-0 set 2 to end the singles matches.

In doubles, Sophie Higginbotham and Carmela Basegio took the first set, 6-4, and then took the second set with a 6-2 win to take home a point for the team. This is only their second year playing together, but their friendship only strengthens their game. Both Sophie and Carmela stated that the key to playing well together is through communication. They strategize, plan together, and work all sides of the court with intense precision. Even when they’re not talking, the unspoken connection these girls hold is highly extensive. After playing for a while, they’ve both learned and adapted to each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Having faith and trusting in each other allows them to work together in the best way in order to win matches. “If I just play the best I can, then that’s all that counts,” said Higginbotham post-match. Even when she’s nervous, she just gets up, goes out, and plays the game she loves. Basegio stated, “I just focus and strategize on how to get to the next point.” She gets into her zone to make sure she scores that point. Both girls played with their minds, hearts, and soul, and worked together the whole way!

Our second doubles team, Rachel Gacusan and Jacey Resuello, won by sweeping both sets 6-0. Throughout both sets, you could see how well they worked together. The girls said their secret was Rachel staying behind Jacey to hit backcourt while Jacey guards the front. When asked, both girls say they prefer doubles; just having someone on the court with you makes it all worthwhile. Resuello said, “Sometimes I think they’re so much better than me…but they’re also students as well.” Whenever she gets nervous or finds herself with doubts, she just remembers we’re all students just playing a game we love. As athletes, we tend to overthink, so it’s important to remember that it doesn’t matter what the other team brings as long as you go out and play to your fullest potential. While Rachel, on the other hand, says, “Trust in God… Stick to your game… and always stay plotting”. She keeps her faith up and her eyes sharp to make sure she sees every ball that comes her way. They dominated their sets this game, and we can’t wait to see what the next match holds.

The only active freshman on the varsity team, Amel Moore. Being the “odd one out,” you’d think she’d be more nervous. Though we couldn’t have been more wrong after seeing this match. To get over pre-game nervousness, all she does is “lock in”… spoken like a real freshman. She’s not wrong; sometimes pushing away the nervousness and getting into your zone is all you need to do. And she proved this point by winning her match that day.     

Moore focused on the day when it came to the mental side, stating, “It’s your mentality before and after the game that gets you the win.” Keeping a positive attitude before and after the game is key to growing and succeeding. Going into the game with your head up, ready to play. And once you leave, whether you win or lose, with that same positive attitude, only thinking of ways to improve for the next game. Though she’s open to playing doubles, she prefers to man the courts by herself. It’s more responsibility, but at the end of the day, however the game ends is on you, and you only. This “pressure” only makes her play harder. 

Last but not least, our Senior Captains, “Princess” Leia Atendido and Sophie Wong. Both our captains love to play singles. When playing, they find themselves more centered alone, only having themselves to rely on. In singles, it’s just you and your opponent, a fierce 1 on 1 game. Atendido, while on the topic of Sophie Wong, said, “Both of us pray together, and that gives us peace, just makes sure that we’re in the mindset of playing safe, but our hardest.” Before playing, both captains pray together to make sure their hearts and minds are calm and centered. Including faith in your routine is vital; it can help with any anxiety or nervousness and overall just make you feel better. Over the years, both girls have gained an immense amount of experience and skill. It wasn’t always like this, though. “The more you play matches, the more you understand”. When starting a new sport, it won’t always be easy, but with determination and practice, you can do anything you set your mind to.

Congratulations again to the Girls Varsity Tennis Team. This is only our second win, with much more to come!