By: Lila Zamansky

Sports Editor 

After a monumental season last fall, Los Gatos Girls’ Varsity Tennis is preparing for another successful year as the team welcomes many new members, strengthens shots, and finalizes line-ups. 

The program held their tryouts during the first week of school as they embraced  returning players as well as numerous new additions to the team, ensuring fresh talent to strengthen the roster for this upcoming season. Mira Upendran is one of the few freshmen making varsity in her first year at LGHS, proving to be an incredible asset to the team. Upendran contributes a unique skill set to the team’s roster, playing both singles and doubles. She shared her expressions of her first month in the program: “I think being on the team is great, everyone is so nice and helpful, being with my teammates is one of the highlights of my day.” 

Girls’ tennis began the season off wasting no time during practice; players have been developing their skills, perfecting technique, and improving footwork, as Captain Sejal Pancholy leads the team through warm-ups and drills. Proving to be a crucial leader to the team’s morale and composure, Pancholy described her experience as a captain as “a really great honor because there’s a lot of talented girls, and I am happy to connect with them and support them in any way I can. I really try my best to incorporate my teammates’ feedback into practice to make sure everyone’s voice is heard.”

The Varsity Girls’ Tennis Team went undefeated last year, winning the De Anza League championships and finishing 2nd in Central Coast Section (CCS). This year, LGHS Girls’ Tennis kickstarted the 2026 season with the annual Tyler Nii Invitational, where four of the league champions from Northern California play in round robin matches. The girls fiercely and strategically defeated their first opponents, Carlmount High School  4-3, with Junior Syona Rama winning in two straight sets (6-2, 6-3). In the finals of the tournament, LG tennis unfortunately lost in a tough battle against Menlo 0-7. Varsity coach Justin Stenger reflected on the loss describing the tournament as a “tough loss but a good learning opportunity and practice for new members of the team.” 

Despite a hard-fought effort, the girls dropped their Sept. 15 league opener to long-time rival Monta Vista High School, 2-5. Despite the team’s overall loss, freshman Elizabeth Fador played an intense match, defeating her opponent (6-4, 6-3) by utilizing her serves and consistent groundstrokes to ultimately come out on top. Continuing through their league matches, the team played Cupertino, swiftly defeating them 5-2. 

The Los Gatos Girls’ Varsity Tennis Team will undoubtedly flourish this year through their talent, grit, and leadership. Make sure to stop by the home matches against Los Altos on Oct. 1 and Palo Alto on Oct. 20. Go Wildcats!