UHS’s Girls Tennis team rallied together and came out victorious in a dominant outing against Campbell Hall, winning 13-5 on September 12th.
With Campbell Hall being one of the more competitive teams University faces every year, UHS had to stay strong and competitive in their matches, and Thursday was no different.
Momentum was key in the team’s ability to come out victorious.
“We swept singles and doubles in the first round which got our team in a great momentum and from there we had a few bumps but overall a great day,” senior captain Dena Norouzi said.
However, the team could not accomplish this feat without experiencing some stress and difficulties along the way.
“I think that the team had some nerves in the beginning, but throughout match the team was really able to relax. We were very fresh the first matches, but playing a tough school like Campbell Hall was taxing. I think everyone was able to forget their fatigue and push through to bring home the win.” junior captain and number one doubles partner Emily Markus said. 
Coach John Kessler was pleased about how the current setup of the team garnered the fantastic victory. 
“It was a rematch of last year’s CIF championships, so we were looking forward to it, pretty excited. I think that we had a lot of returning girls and we have some new girls. They graduated, and so because of those factors, we were in a good place to win that match,” Kessler said.
According to Coach Kessler, number one singles and senior Cami Brown was able to light the fuse to give the girls momentum.
“She [Brown] started it off by knocking off their top girl, who was a really good player. She set the tone for the rest of the match,” Kessler said.
In order to keep the energy up, the girls had to stay persistent and grounded in their trust and bonding as teammates. They were able to execute those needed attitudes and rallied around each other.
“We have a great team dynamic on and off the court and I think that we were able to support each other, and come out victorious. Leadership is important, and everyone steps up to help out,” junior Natalia Tobon said.
This dynamic was captured both on and off the court.
“We were all very tired and anxious for our match during the one and a half hour bus ride to Campbell Hall. Though after our win, we spent the whole time singing and dancing on the ride back. It really captured our unity and tight bond as a team,” senior captain Yui Hashiyada said.
Both Coach Kessler and players such as number one doubles partner and junior Mya Wang share the same aspirations for the results of this young season. 
“We need to maintain our positive energy and win our first CIF Title.” Wang said.
Despite the strong start, the team still has room for improvement to achieve these lofty goals.
“We got to work on our doubles a little bit, and learn how to hang in there when things aren’t going our way. But for the most part, I think we’re on a great track right now. The first goal is to win the Pacific Coast League title, then win CIF, we haven’t won one in the history of UNI. It’ll be the first one in our history. Hopefully a regional championship to cap it all off” Kessler said.
The team plays an away game next at Peninsula on September 24th.