Girls Varsity Tennis closes the season with a win

by Ningning Ying

On a brisk, frost-coated Saturday afternoon, the Niskayuna High School Varsity Girls' tennis team gathered around the small plaque that they’d just been awarded and celebrated winning their end-of-season tournament.

During the tournament on October 31st, the team played two matches in total. With fingers going numb from the 28 degree weather, they first scored a 7-2 win against Averill Park. It allowed them to advance to the final round, where, after a short break between matches, they played a tight match against Guilderland and emerged victorious with a score of 5-4. The two matches ended their month-long season in which they won six out of their ten matches against ten different schools in the Suburban Council league.

The season as a whole was not like any other because of the Coronavirus pandemic. The most notable changes being the shortening and postponing of the season, the cancellation of sectionals, and the health guidelines put in place by the state. These general guidelines include only two spectators being allowed per athlete during games, the mandatory wearing of masks, and sanitation. Health guidelines specific to tennis include not being able to share tennis balls with opponents and only singles players being able to take off their masks when playing while doubles players are required to keep their masks on. Physical contact and close interactions between opponents are also avoided.

I interviewed some of the team members to see some of their thoughts on the season.

Ningning Ying: How has this season been for you so far?

Simone Pillai: This season has been quite a ride and a very different experience from the year before. Even though we lost some of the best things about tennis due to covid precautions, we gained the aspect of becoming closer as a team.

Simran Utturar: The challenging circumstances created by the pandemic left behind a bumpy journey for our team to overcome, but those obstacles were faced with great optimism! Although the season this year looks entirely different due to the safety restrictions imposed by Covid, the competitive and social elements of being in the team remain just as fun. I am very proud of what we have accomplished as a team this season and I will never forget the joyful memories that were formed along the way.

Lara Knezevic: The season wasn’t as great because of Covid but we did the best we could considering the circumstances.

Ningning Ying: How did you prepare for the season?

Aleesha Choudry: To prepare for the season I played a lot of tennis over the summer at both the YMCA club and Sportime, as well as on my own with friends and siblings at Central Park.

Simone Pillai: I have been practicing here and there with some friends and have been going to my usual classes at Sportime to keep improving on my skills

Simran Utturar: I prepared for this tennis season by practicing continually in Sportime throughout the winter and summer.

Lara Knezevic: I did a tennis camp through Sportime, and that helped me prepare for the season.

Ningning Ying: What is the best part of being on the team?

Aleesha Choudry: In my opinion, the best part about being on the team is the really great social aspect of it all. All of the girls are super welcoming and kind, regardless of age or level. But of course, I also do enjoy the more competitive aspect of it like the matches because it’s what I work for all season.

Simran Utturar: Personally, the best aspect of our tennis team is the spirit in every single player. Whether it is the teammates cheering each other on, the competitive spirit to win for the team, or the spirit days, our team spirit is undefiable.

Ningning Ying: What has been your most memorable/proudest moment during this season?

Aleesha Choudry: My most memorable moment during the season was probably senior night. We encountered a lot of problems with just trying to make it happen and then the set up as well. So when it turned out great regardless, it was a great moment. Another great moment is our matches where we win 5-4 because they are always super tight and down to the wire, so when we all get together to cheer on the last deciding match and they pull through, it’s a really great feeling for the entire team.

Lara Knezevic: My most memorable would be senior night. We collectively as a team had a good time and it was a nice way to say our goodbyes to half the team.

Simone Pillai: This season, the most memorable moment for our team is every time we cheer each other on as a team, and the feeling in the air as we cheer each other on, point after point, is something quite irreplaceable. It’s the feeling of knowing that you have a team to support you throughout any hardship, which is most important this year because we have shown so much teamwork amid hard times like these.