The RHS Girls Tennis team enjoyed a strong fourth week of the season, winning three of four matches, including crushing Pope John at the team’s most recent match on Monday, Sept. 22. As of press time, the Rams held a 7–6 overall record.
Here’s a roundup of the team’s three most recent wins:
Randolph Defeats Morris Knolls 4–1 on Thursday, Sept. 18
Facing Morris Knolls for the first time this season, the Rams posted a 4–1 victory behind strong singles performances. Junior captain Ava Pinho led the way at first singles, winning in straight sets, 2–0. Senior captain Sophie Visser followed suit at second singles, also securing a 2–0 win.
“My goals going into Thursday’s match were mainly to play consistently and lower the margin of error for my shots,” Visser said. “I think my loss on Tuesday, filling in for Ava at first singles, made me more aware of how risky some of my shots were. After the rainout the day before, I went into the match feeling confident but more self-aware.”
At second doubles, senior Emma Maqsudi and sophomore Sienna Marsala worked well together to secure a 2–0 victory.
“I thought we put together a lot of lessons we’ve learned throughout the season,” head coach Daniel DiNozzi said.
Junior Katie SooHoo rounded out the win at third singles, scoring 2–0.
“We won some positions with relative ease, but we also showed resilience,” DiNozzi said. “When our opponents went on small runs, we had answers.”
Rams Sweep Morris Knolls 5–0 on Senior Night, Friday, Sept. 19
The Rams followed up their earlier win with a commanding 5–0 sweep of Morris Knolls on Senior Night. With deeper insight into their opponents’ playing styles, Randolph dominated across the board.
Pinho and Visser once again won in straight sets, 2–0, at first and second singles, respectively. SooHoo battled through third singles, earning a 2–1 win.
Maqsudi and Marsala, playing first doubles, showed strong communication and strategy on the way to another 2–0 victory.
“Sienna and I give each other feedback during matches, which helps us strategize based on our opponents,” Maqsudi said.
Seniors Ranya Preetanchal and Jessica Leonard added to the team’s clean sweep with a 2–0 win at second doubles.
Randolph Tops Pope John 4–1 on Monday, Sept. 22
Randolph continued its momentum with a 4–1 win over Pope John, marking the team’s second victory over the Lions this season.
Maqsudi and Marsala earned a quick 2–0 win at second doubles, followed by another dominant performance by Pinho at first singles.
“Going into today’s match, I felt more confident and relaxed,” Pinho said. “My experience in previous matches has taught me to stay focused while staying loose and aggressive.”
Visser followed with a 2–0 win at second singles, and SooHoo edged out her opponent at third singles, 2–1, after taking the first set and winning a tiebreaker.
In first doubles, sophomores Samantha Fabre and Jillian Garcia battled hard, winning their second set but falling in the tiebreaker.
“I hope we can continue to improve in our remaining matches,” DiNozzi said. “Ultimately, I think footwork and positioning are what decide matches for us—both in singles and doubles—so the more we improve those areas, the better off we’ll be.”
Randolph is set to face Roxbury in its next regular-season match on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at Brundage Park.
