Parker Salomon
Staff Writer
Using strong serves, impressive returns and good communication the Mira Costa girls tennis team crushed Redondo.
The Mustangs defeated Redondo at Redondo High School on Oct. 26, in the team’s last match of the season prior to California Interscholastic Federation (CIF). The Mustangs dominated, winning 14-4.
“Redondo is our one of our biggest rivals, and there is always a lot of pressure on the team when we face off against them,” junior Drew Waller doubles player said. “Monday’s match was very successful, and our team was determined to get the win.”
The Mustangs had a strong start due to victories by junior singles player Amy Gaal, and doubles players freshman Lindsay Giese and junior Lena Nagy. Costa kept their stride when junior singles player Isabella Draskovic and junior doubles partners Katarina Draskovic and Waller won their games making the score 10-3.
“During the beginning of the match, we executed many tough returns that got our momentum going,” Nagy said. “By the end of the match, everyone was full of energy and ready to end our last game of the season with a win.”
In the first game of the day, Gall started out strong leading 3-0. During the fifth set, Gaal nailed the ball behind her opponent, and earned her the point. Gaal swept the competition and won 6-0, putting Costa ahead 1-0.
“My serves were a strong point during my games,” Gaal said. “I could have been more active on the court, but I was able to get most of the balls up to earn the point.”
During Nagy and Giese’s second game of the day, and Costa’s sixth game overall, their strong forehand returns and communication led to a landslide victory, 6-1. Shakey serves led to the duo losing their first set, but they came back and furthered Costa’s lead 5-1.
“The communication between my partner Giese and I helped us prevent the ball from dropping,” Nagy said. “We had an impressive comeback, and I was proud of our performance on the court.”
In the thirteenth game of the day, Katarina Draskovic and Waller swept their opponents. During a four-person volley, Waller hit the ball onto the back line ending the second set. The girls won the game 6-0, and added to Costas lead 10-3.
“Communicating was a major part of our game since I have never been a doubles partner with Katarina Draskovic before,” Waller said. “We made minimal errors during our game, and we kept focused which was why our game was successful.”
Isabella Draskovic crushed her opponent, 6-0, ending the day’s match 14-4. In the third set, Isabella Draskovic sliced the ball right over the net tying the sets score at thirty all. Isabella took an early lead winning her first two sets with ease.
“Playing as a singles player in the match posed a serious challenge at first, since I usually play doubles with my sister Katarina Draskovic,” Isabella Draskovic said. “I was able to adjust fairly easily, as I gained momentum and I played very well during my ma.”
The Mustangs are currently 7-2 in Bay League and 19-4 overall. On Thursday, doubles players in Bay League will have a competition at the Jack Kramer Club.
“Our team improves every match, and the amount of skill on the team grows each time we play,” Gaal said. “This season has been leading up to (CIF), and we can’t wait to play.”
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