Varsity Girls’ Tennis Triumphant in Almont League Standings

KEVIN KONG
Sports Editor

After 13 years of not having won the Almont League Title, the girls’ tennis team has recaptured the highest rank in standings once again under the leadership of Head Coach Calvin Chow. On Oct. 28, it was announced that the Lady Moors tied with San Gabriel and Mark Keppel for the title of Almont League Champions after a close match between the aforementioned schools brought all tri-city teams to the same record of 6-2. Upon being named the winners of Almont League, several players had much to say about their performance throughout the season.

“I’m really proud of everyone. We worked so hard, and this is the result. In our own way, we kept each other in check and reminded ourselves that the possibility of winning was there. We supported each other,” junior doubles player Emily Tran said.

Chow also voiced similar thoughts.

“[Winning league] was gratifying. It’s been a long time [since Alhambra has done so] and I thought we had a chance to win other years [but now] we finally came to pass,” Chow said, “All of our hard work and dedication paid off.”
The team, following their win, played in the two-day Almont League Finals to determine the individual championship doubles and singles players. Last year, the team had qualified three players, Catherine Hsu, Monica Wu and captain Tiffany Chan, to the second day of finals. However, this year, only Chan qualified. She went on to became the undefeated victor of the entire singles tournament in the Almont League.

“[Becoming champion] feels surreal. I had to rely on seniority and experience, as well as my consistency to win. I am extremely happy with placing first this year and I will continue to improve my physical and mental game so that I can hold my title and play […] in college,” Chan said.

Following their success, the Moors also advanced to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) postseason playoffs. On Nov. 6, the girls traveled to Summit High School to defeat the Sunkist League’s Skyhawks in a 16-2 match. Progressing into the second round, the Moors faced the Garden Grove Argonauts the following day, but ultimately lost 6-12, ending their stint in CIF.

“I think the girls were very supportive of each other [and] were like family. [To continue our success for next year], hopefully [we will] continuing practicing in the offseason to further improve our skills and [fix our] weaknesses,” Chow said.