Jackie Wong
Though the sun was burning and the courts were radiating heat, the Dons’ girls varsity tennis team kept its cool to completely sweep San Mateo (4-5) 7-0. Since Aragon is currently undefeated, the majority of the players were confident in taking home the win before the game.
“We’re going to do pretty good,” said junior Ella Teng. “We have a stronger team this year [and] we have a strong chance of even sweeping.”
Co-head coach David Owdom attributed the team’s excellence to the strong relationships between players.
“[The team] has a lot of talent, [and] they have good team bonding,” Owdom said. “Spending time together [and] supporting each other [is] more important than anything else.”
In the No. 1 singles match, sophomore Mia Lo led the way at the top of the lineup, using powerful spin and precise short-shot placement to keep her opponent moving. Her ability to control the ball and place shots strategically helped her create opportunities and put pressure on her opponent throughout the match.
“When you’re down, just try your best to have fun and smile, and when you’re doing your best, just keep doing what you’re doing,” Lo said. “I would just keep telling myself to keep going, just keep trying to play my best.”
Lo ultimately came out on top, with an ending score of 6-1, 6-0.
Seniors Shanay Biouk and Jessalyn Williams brought strong serving and steady play to the court in the No. 1 doubles match, taking advantage of opportunities, including missed serves from San Mateo to earn important points. While they started down, they were able to push through and finish, matching the heat beating down on them with the intensity of their swings and eventually winning in straight sets.
“When we were down 2-1, we didn’t start very well,” Biouk said. “So winning the deuce point at 2-1 [in the] first set was great for a turning point [in] the match.”
In the No. 3 singles match, Ella Teng put forward a solid performance against San Mateo sophomore Isabella Moudry, winning 6-0, 6-0. With court awareness and hard shots, she stayed competitive, while her serving earned several points.
Lastly, in the No. 4 singles match, freshman Emma Teng continued the Dons’ streak, winning both sets 6-0.
“You just really never know what the opponent’s gonna do, and you always just want to respect the opponent,” said co-head coach Jon Felder. “You want to respect their game, you want to respect their level, and try to play your game at a high level too so you can compete well.”
Aragon is fighting to keep their momentum alive and bring home the Peninsula Athletic League championship, something the team has never done before.
“[They’re] doing very well,” Owdom said. “I hope they can win the [PAL] championship because I don’t think Aragon [girls tennis has] ever done that.”
Looking forward, the Dons will face the defending PAL Champion Carlmont High School Scots on Oct. 20.
“[They’re] doing very well,” Owdom said. “I hope they can win the [Peninsula Athletic] League championship because I don’t think Aragon [girls tennis has] ever done that.”
Looking forward, the Dons will match up against the defending PAL champion, Carlmont High School, in a home game on Oct. 20.
