Girls tennis continues playoff run with win over Menlo-Atherton

Varsity+tennis+captain+Gina+Partridge+%2812%29+hits+the+ball+during+a+team+practice+earlier+in+the+season.+After+beating+Menlo-Atherton+4-3+in+the+CCS+quarterfinals+match%2C+they+move+on+to+semifinals+on+Saturday%2C+Nov.+16%2C+against+St.+Francis.

Esha Gohil

Varsity tennis captain Gina Partridge (12) hits the ball during a team practice earlier in the season. After beating Menlo-Atherton 4-3 in the CCS quarterfinals match, they move on to semifinals on Saturday, Nov. 16, against St. Francis.

by Anna Vazhaeparambil, Aquila Co-Sports Editor

The girls tennis team beat Menlo-Atherton High School 4-3 in their quarterfinal matchup, continuing their Cinderella run in the CCS playoffs. Currently 15-2 overall, the Eagles have had an impressive season this year, defying all expectations, even their own.

“We’re all just really happy we’ve made it this far — this is the first time ever,” Rachel Broweleit (12) said. “We don’t care what the score is on the next match, we’re just glad we got to go this far this year.”

The two teams were tied at 3-3 with only Rachel’s match left to determine the outcome of the very close game. Initially down 0-3 in the first set, she was able to make a comeback to win 7-5 in both sets and secure the victory for Harker.

“It was very stressful and a ton of pressure obviously, but [having] the team with me and supporting me really motivated me,” she said. “From the very beginning, I thought that there was no way I could play a three hour match, but [doing it] for the team made me decide to fight through it.”

The girls will face St. Francis at Saratoga High School on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 11 a.m. in the CCS semifinals. If they move on to the finals, they will compete on the same day at Bay Club Courtside at 5:30 p.m.