By Sydney Pike, Staff Reporter
The Kennedy girls tennis team won League Champions on Nov. 1. Senior Esther In and sophomore Shellah Gabasan won the league title against Valencia at the Seal Beach Tennis Center. The first set score was a 7-6 tie break and the second set was 7-5.
The Lady Irish had a slight advantage because they were in the second place spot. The girls won their first round, leading them into semi-finals. The pair continued to work hard, winning the semi-finals and securing their position in the championships, where In and Gabasan competed against senior Andreah Chen and junior Jackie Duong.
The girls have been working hard since the beginning of the season. In and Gabasan have practiced vigorously both at and outside of school with their own coaches. The two girls have been training with intensive drills to better their game.
“I’ve put in efforts to go to practice at school and I have also been practicing in an outside club,” In said.
The pair played with poise and undeniable teamwork. Going into the match, it was tough to keep a positive mentality, but they pushed each other to work and play hard.
“I honestly didn’t have a very positive mindset because the players I played were really good players that I have lost to before,” In said.
The match itself was tough and well played by both In and Gabasan. There were points in the match that were extremely close but the pair came out on top.
“When I won league champs, I couldn’t believe it and I was very shocked, but happy at the result,” Gabasan said.
This win gave In her last high school match and win in tennis. Gabasan, however, continues to look towards the future and how she can improve and continue to succeed next season.
“I feel like my game can be better than this year and have a better mentality on court. I’m hoping for the best next season,” Gabasan said.
She hopes to continue her high school tennis career and participate in singles next year.
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