On Wednesday, in a playoff make or break match, Carlmont’s varsity girls tennis team competed against Sequoia High School for the first time this season.
All season long, the Carlmont’s girl’s tennis team has prided themselves on maintaining a high level of team spirit. On Wednesday, Oct. 30, the Lady Scots worked together in order to beat the Ravens, winning seven shutout matches brutally.
Winning all seven matches has boosted Carlmont’s confidence in anticipation of playing Burlingame High on Thursday, as the Scots look towards making the Central Coast Section (CCS) finals.
Carlmont’s singles one player, Annika Lin, won both sets 6-0 against her opponent, Sarah Stampleman. Lin took an early lead, blowing by game one and two without losing a single point. Lin lost a couple of points towards the beginning of game three but regained control to pull out a third win. From there on, she began to assert her complete dominance as she beat Stapleman for the next nine consecutive games.
“It’s like she never gets tired,” said Simone Beilin, a teammate.
The rest of Carlmont’s singles lineup won in a similar fashion.
Carlmont’s singles two-player, Victoria Gittoes beat MJ Hartman in both matches 6-2.
Singles three-player, Nikhila Raman, out-hustled Ciara Murman 6-0 and then 6-2.
Lastly, singles four-player, Kat Nguyen, crushed Sadie Ha in all but their third game.
“I think everyone had positive energy throughout the day, and there was a lot of good sportsmanship and respect between the players, and I think that is just as important as the matches themselves,” said Raven coach Cici Louie.
Carlmont’s coach Goldsmith agreed. She said, “I think it was a fun match for everyone, and while I’m not surprised, I’m really proud of both teams for showing so much sportsmanship.”
Nguyen, who won twelve out of her thirteen games, explained her teams’ tough practices and workouts. She noted her coach’s emphasis on technique and stamina and its effect on helping her team win.
The Scots also dominated the doubles matches. No. 1 doubles pair, Simone Beilin and Naya Salah, took out Jessica Martin and Tara Anson, 6-1, 6-2. In the No. 2 match, Sannika Joshi and Lily Gittos defeated Olivia Benton and Kelly Clarke 6-3, 6-0, the No.3 doubles pair won their match over Nora Wooley and Zara Anson, 6-2, 6-1.
While tennis isn’t declared an official “team” sport, Goldsmith understands the importance of how players work together and support each other. She encourages the mindset that they must win as a team.
Her team agrees.
“We had really good communication, and I think that was really important,” Salah said.
Beilin agreed saying, “I think it is just a matter of effort and teamwork, and we work really hard as a team, so it’s nice to see it pay off.”
Heading into the final stretch of league play, Carlmont will play rival Burlingame High on Thursday, Oct. 31.
“If we keep playing like we have been playing, I think we have a great chance to make CCS,” said Salah.
The Scots have beat Burlingame twice this season, the second time only winning by a slim 4-3 margin.
If Carlmont wins on Thursday, it will be the third straight year that Carlmont has won the PAL team tournament and the automatic CCS bid that comes along with it. This year, the winner on Thursday will face Bay Division regular-season champion Menlo-Atherton.
