Baron tennis battles a close match against Newport Harbor

Ruth Nguyen ('16) sets up her serve for the final doubles match.  Photos by Thien Le.
Ruth Nguyen (’16) sets up her serve for the final doubles match. Photos by Thien Le.

By Nicole Tieu, Staff Writer

On Oct. 9, girls tennis fought hard to overcome the sailors, but resulted in a 9-9 tie. When looking into the number of games won, Newport Harbor won by seven games with the score of 65-72.

“Despite our loss, we played to the best of our ability with all of our strength and emotion,” said co-captain Vivian Bui (’15). “We will get Newport Harbor next round.”

Hanh Pham (’18) and Katherine Nguyen (’18) once again continued to win all of their singles matches with Pham still undefeated in the league, not relenting a single game. The real struggle of the game was turned toward the doubles matches.

Vivian Ly (’16) and Ruth Nguyen (’16) played the last set to determine the win or loss as everyone gathered to watch. Ly and Nguyen were down 4-5 in the deciding match and Ly had hit a lob that was called out by the other team. However, there was many disputes from the line judges and parents watching that it was actually in. In the end, Newport Harbor’s coach came over to call it out and the team replayed the point that resulted in their loss.

“Almost everyone had line judges at some point,” said Ly. “Overall though, I think the teamed played really well. Everyone made a good effort, and I think this game especially brought us closer together.”

The two teams were tied after each round, 3-3, 6-6, and then the final 9-9. The barons are now 3-2 in league and will continue to practice and improve their weaknesses as they go into the second half of the season. Their next match will be against Marina on Oct. 14.

“Although we lost, I feel like our team won in the end because we put up a fair and honest fight against Newport Beach,” said Holly Lam (’17).