On Aug. 14, Lady Barons lost their first preseason tennis match against Olympian 15-3, in which Bonita’s three-set wins were won by doubles play. Two from senior co-captain Isabel Acevedo and junior Valeria Alvarado, and one from sophomore Esperanza Arancibia and junior Julieta Martinez. Acevedo recognized that there is room for improvement in their plays.
“I feel like we could have been more confident,” Acevedo said. “But I am still happy with how we played on our first day.”
Acevedo and Alvarado proved to be Bonita’s most dominant duo, as they played a total of two sets and won both with identical scores of 6-2, 6-2. Acevedo acknowledged how critical her partner was to the duo’s success.
“[Alvarado’s] serves and slices were so amazing. My highlight was seeing my partner because she did so good today. I am very happy with how we played.” Acevedo said.
Acevedo continues with how her team’s training contributed to their performance. She also appreciates how despite her nervousness, her team helped her persevere throughout the match.
“Practices were super beneficial and so my training has definitely paid off,” Acevedo said.
Arancibia and Martinez secured the remaining win, winning the first of their three sets 6-4. Martinez asserted on how hard work and energy was the main highlight of the match.
“It was such a good feeling to see our energy and effort pay off,” Martinez said. “We kept each other motivated and worked together to win key points.”
Head girls tennis coach, Joseph Sheffield, explained how rewarding it was to see his players improve this scrimmage, and how playing would pay off in the future. However, Sheffield explains that there is more work to be done.
“I was just hoping that they would play and hoping that they do well, especially the amount of times they practice,” Sheffield said. “I am satisfied with some of the girls and their growth, but they do need some work–and a lot of it– because they are nervous.”
Acevedo concludes on how despite the loss, she is proud of her team and how compelled she is to move on with the rest of the season.
“I am just super proud of my team this year,” Acevedo said. “Now that the season is about to officially start, I know that we are going to do amazing things.”
