On November 2, NDB’s Varsity tennis team concluded their season in an away match against Castilleja. The season was particularly tough for the Tigers, competing in the upper WBAL division. The division is extremely competitive, and this year, Tigers went head-to-head with elite players and D1 college commits.

Despite losses, the team experienced a surplus of personal growth and achievements. Number one doubles partners Audrey Tang and Thayer Ettrick, both juniors, secured their first league win of the season during the final match – and a significant one too, winning 6-1, 6-0.

“This season our team learned a lot and grew really close,” said Ettrick. “Me and Audrey did pretty good, we were competitive with other teams and improved a lot.”

The Tigers overcame multiple challenges throughout the season, including the loss of star player, junior Tiana Pan, due to a hip injury, and the absence of number two player Ashna Tumuluri, senior, due to her recent successes with her squash career. Senior Genevieve Klein took over for the number one singles spot in the second half of the season, making formidable attempts against the best players in Bay Area high school women’s tennis.

In addition to injuries and absences, the team had to rebuild nearly from scratch, with the loss of twelve graduating seniors from last year’s team. Many rose to the occasion, including rising star and sophomore Bella Svanberg, who played number three singles this season.

“This season was mentally and physically challenging, but I think I improved as a player,” Svanberg commented. “I gained more confidence and felt proud challenging myself to play against strong opponents.”

In addition to league successes, the Tigers took an early season victory during the California Girls’ Tennis Classic in Clovis. They swept all but one match and took second place at the tournament.

While not the season that many of the girls had hoped for, the match record does not reflect the challenges overcome, goals achieved and memories gained for this year’s NDB Varsity tennis team.