Soyoon Baek, Staff Writer • September 16, 2026

On Tuesday, Sept. 15, Samo Girls’ Tennis defeated El Segundo 13-5, bringing their nonleague record to 3-2. Overall, the game gradually shifted in Samo’s favor as they extended their lead. The players cheered each other on throughout the match, encouraging their fellow teammates even more. Late in the game, Mia Mctigue (’28) hit a short ball that her opponent couldn’t reach, winning the point very dramatically, closing out her singles match. Ava Brara (’27), the captain of the team, expressed her thoughts on the game. 

“I think we really played as a team unit today. Also, I think it’s important to play easier teams in the beginning of the season because this is a foundation to do well in the playoffs,” Brara said. 

The team was showing great effort in the first and second round that during the third, head Coach Shaun Simone was able to put in JV players to close out the match. Jocelyn Guttman (’27), co-captain, reflected on the match. 

“This match was really good to build mental toughness,” Guttman said. “Because we can learn how to play in different ways, so I think playing this match helped everybody learn where we can improve and continue as the match goes on.” 

The team aims to enhance their skills and strengthen their teamwork in their upcoming matches. Looking back on the match, Hanako Gross(’28) highlighted an area the team could work on. 

“I think we should improve on blocking shots more effectively at the net so that no shots can get past it,” Gross said. 
The next home game is going to be on Thursday, Sept. 17, against The Anchor School for Girls.