For much of the spring, winning became the expectation for the McLean girls’ tennis team. They put together one of their strongest seasons in recent memory, finishing the regular season with an outstanding 13-1 record. The Highlanders truly showed their depth and consistency throughout the season by battling through windy conditions and injuries.
They dominated much of their schedule, which established them as one of the top teams in the region. Whether it was singles or doubles play, the Highlanders consistently found ways to come through difficult matches where it may have looked like they had no chance.
A major part of the team’s success stemmed from the close bond among its players.
“We had multiple team bonding events, which helped everyone socialize and grow closer as a team,” freshman Annika Patel said.
The team’s culture extended beyond match days. Practices were competitive but also collaborative, with players encouraging one another and working together to improve.
“We had great connections,” Patel said. “This certainly reflected match performances because everyone was there to support each other and play well together.”
That support system helped create a positive and competitive environment throughout the season. Players consistently encourage one another during matches and practices.
“I think we really showed up with the right mindset every day of practice,” sophomore Roxanna Sharafi said. “Nobody took shortcuts. Everyone wants to improve, and people are pushing themselves to get better every day.”
The Highlanders entered the postseason coming off their only regular-season loss of the year, a defeat to rival Langley in the regular-season finale.
While McLean had already secured an impressive 13-1 record, the loss snapped the team’s 13-match winning streak and brought an end to the momentum it had built throughout much of the season.
The Highlanders were confident coming into the postseason, having already proved they were one of the best teams in the district.
“The match against South Lakes was one of the team’s best matches,” Sharafi said. “We came out prepared for the playoffs, knowing every match would be earned.”
McLean ended up beating South Lakes 9-0 in matches. The Highlanders’ next match against their biggest regional competitor, James Madison High School, would determine if the Highlanders were ready for the next step of making it to states.
After all singles matches were complete, the match was even at 3-3, forcing play to be suspended because of rain. When competition resumed the following week, Madison beat McLean’s No.1 and No. 3 doubles teams, resulting in a 5-3 defeat for McLean.
“We gave it the best we could against Madison,” Patel said. “Everyone gave it their all.”
While this outcome ended McLean’s postseason run, it could not erase the accomplishments of a team that won 13 straight matches and established itself as one of the region’s best teams.
“We competed hard all year long,” Sharafi said. “Next year will be the year we try to take the next step and compete for a state championship.”
