By Jacob Chang
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standing on the sidelines helped them perform their best.
After a season of success in the Oahu Interscholastic Association (OIA), MHS’ tennis team traveled to the Wailea Tennis Club on Maui to participate in the Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) championships. MHS participated in various divisions, including girls singles, girls doubles, boys singles and boys doubles.
“While I was playing, the constant cheering and encouragement from my team helped me so much to stay in the match and play hard till the end. When the match was over, my team surrounded me and I have never felt so much love and support. I am just so extremely grateful for them,” said Senior Alyssa Tobita, who placed second in girls singles.
Coming from a successful season in the OIA, with Mililani sweeping all of the divisions at OIA championships, the MHS tennis team had high expectations for the state tournament. “I expected us to win OIAs and qualify as many singles and doubles teams to the state tournament to give them a chance to win the elusive state title. Although we fell short (second boys and girls), it sets our goals for next year,” said Head Coach Jason Agsalda. Tobita added, “It was very hard to keep my mind from wandering to the finals match because so many people had high expectations of me, but I tried to stay in the moment and take it one match at a time. The only expectations for myself were that I play my heart out and fight for every single point.”
For some on the tennis team however, just getting to states had its challenges. “We had some setbacks prior to the tournament (such as injuries and grades). But despite that, players gave a valiant effort to try and win their match for the team,” said Agsalda. Tobita added, “It was a very good feeling to end high school by being runner-ups for the team title. Our goal has been to place since I started playing varsity, and I’m very proud to say that we finally did it.”
Aside from all the work they put in, players attribute their success to their fellow teammates and coach. “My coaches and teammates have helped me both mentally and physically,” said Tobita, “Mentally, everyone was so supportive and they had nothing but positivity to send my way. Every match I knew that my team and coaches were going to be there for me.”
Though the season is now over, the MHS tennis team has high hopes for the future and plans to work hard in hopes of capturing the team titles next year.
