idable 11-1 start to the season. With a series of early wins, Girls’ Tennis is seeking redemption from last year’s early CIF-SS Division 1 Round 1 exit, where they lost a tight match 8-10 to Crean Lutheran. Despite their most recent 8-10 loss against Portola on Sept. 23, their impressive performance has set high expectations for the rest of the season.

The team started the 2025-2026 season without alumni Ceyda Shamsai, Joy Qu, and Madeleine Carroll. All three of them were starting doubles players who brought enthusiasm to each match. To fill in their shoes, the team has added two new players, freshman Zhenzhen Zhong and sophomore Madeleine Lal.

In particular, Zhenzhen has been an outstanding addition to the team, bringing a tenacious fighting spirit to her battles as the No. 2 singles player.   

“She is a dogged competitor,” Head Coach Whit Kenerson said.

Senior and team captain Ella Wong also praised the impact Zhenzhen and Madeleine have had on the team.

“These two have been instrumental, bringing a new spirit and hunger to the group,” Ella said.

The Girls’ Tennis team is looking strong this season, with many players having improved their game by working over the summer. In the first ten games of the season, out of a possible 198 sets, Sage Hill has won 175 sets while only conceding 23 sets. This set win rate of 88% reveals the dominance of Girl’s tennis so far.

Despite the team’s impressive form, there are still areas for improvement. Their first goal is improving first serve consistency. Making a lot of first serves helps tremendously in a tennis match as it allows players to dominate their serving games and win points with ease.

Kenerson often tells his girls how he dreams of first serves.

“This has been a roadblock in the past with too many double faults,” Kenerson said.

Another focus of the team has been on doubles net play. In doubles, a lot of the offense is generated by the player closest to the net because they can easily finish points. To increase their competitive edge, the Girls’ Tennis team has focused on improving their net play with stronger volleys, poaches, and overheads.

Finally, the team has worked on their conditioning so they stay energetic in the later stages of each match. Better fitness enables the team to compete just as hard in the third round as they do in the first round.

The team’s camaraderie is flourishing throughout the season, notably through the new chant created by sophomore Amelie Lalvani, as well as visits by team members’ dogs, Kiwi and Anna.

“We appreciate all spectators and would love any additional encouragement,” Ella said.

The team will play their next home match against Canyon High School at 3 p.m. on September 29.