Cape girls’ tennis aims high this spring

The Cape girls’ tennis team returns most of its 10-1 squad from last season, and players look to continue their winning ways with new coach Rich Rasa, and assistants Carlos Casas, Mark Pedersen and Jackson Curatola.

Graduating from last year’s squad were Noa Aboutboul at second singles and and Morgan Green at third singles. But depth for this year’s squad comes with new freshman Abby Hazzard, who will compete for a top singles position with senior Rachel Ramjattansingh. Seniors Sia Patel and Kathryn Costello will add experience in the top positions, too. Other team members are Julia and Mya DiSabatino, Kyli Doyon-Baridon, Adelle Trumbauer and Ailene Corey.

“The philosophy of the season is that we are going to be a strong, competitive team up and down the line,” said Rasa. “We have great depth and experience playing for singles and doubles. These girls are very focused, and they are willing to put in the time and effort to be a great team.They are having a lot of fun playing, and tennis is for life. You can see it in their smiles out there.”

“We are going to have a strong team,” said Patel. “We do a lot of drilling because the weather has been bad, and I feel it has helped our technique, because usually in the beginning of the season we are a little rusty.”

“We will be ready for the season once we get through our challenge matches,” said Doyon-Baridon. ”Focus, time and effort will get us ready for the season matches.”

“You always have to keep a good mindset when getting ready for the season,” said Ramjattansingh, who went 9-2 last season. ”Caesar Rodney is usually our toughest opponent. Adding a tough player like Abby [Hazzard] will definitely help us.”

The Vikings will open the season hosting Polytech Monday, March 25.