With six wins and only one loss so far this season, Marlborough’s Varsity Tennis team has triumphantly embarked on their journey to win the California Interscholastic Federation

Southern Section (CIFSS). They were quarter-finalists in CIFSS last year and hope to get even further this year. Although their athletic excellence can be found on the court, their team has

stated that their camaraderie is also a key source of their success. Get to know the Varsity Tennis team and the traditions that make being on the team so special below!

Q: If you could describe the team in three words, what would they be?

A: “Fun, competitive and silly,” Oliv-

ia Pathak ’25 said.

A: “Energetic, caring and incredible,”

Noa Fortuit ’26 said.

A: “Passionate, energetic and bond-

ed,” Kira Chang ’28 said.

A: “Friendly, funny and hard work-

ing,” Ally Koh ’28 said.

Q: Any pregame team rituals or traditions? What about superstitions?

A: “Energy UP when we’re doing our

cheer,” Fortuit said.

A: “We always do our cheer after the

other team,” Lily Sanchez ’25 said.

A: “We like to bring pink Starbursts

as well,” Maddie Moon ’26 said.

Q: Favorite memory on the team?

A: “[Mira] Costa energy!” Chang said.

A: “Even though we lost, our energy was still so high, everybody was having the best time and we made funny TikToks. It was just a great game,” Moon said.

Q: How do your teammates make practice fun?

A: “We always have music playing, everyone’s energy is high, and we prioritize having fun as well as playing tennis,” Pathak said.

A: “Coco always brings the speaker and plays the best music. The seniors are really passionate about the team and want what is best for us, which makes every practice better,” Moon said.

Q: What is the best part of being on the team?

A: “The people. Everyone is so loving,” Chang said.

A: “The players are so great and really just bonding with everyone. Every practice is like a hangout with my friends,” Pathak said.

Q: Favorite game day snacks/treats?

A: “A mom brought sandwiches with Hawaiian rolls that were so good. Or Lily Sanchez’s mom’s smoothies,”Moon said.

A: “I love any Trader Joe’s snacks,” Fortuit said.

Q: What is an inside joke only you and the team would understand?

A: “ ‘Slank’ combines two words – slender and lanky,” Moon, the player who created the term, said. She said she uses it everyday.

A: “Slender plus lengthy equals good at net. Slank!” Pathak said.