Playing in the ever-tough Tri-Valley League is always an adventure, but over the past few years the Norwood girls tennis team has had a rather unsympathetic time on the courts.  There are a lot of talented teams in the TVL and Norwood usually finds themselves in the middle near the lower half of the tier. Although this year the team currently only has two wins (at press time), they are playing much better tennis; 4 or 5 wins would be a big improvement building upon last year.”

“Already having 2 wins is good for us and we are looking for a few more before the season comes to an end,” Norwood girls tennis coach Lisa Tucker said. “This is a growing year and we are growing in the right direction.”

Not only have the Mustangs been improving their skills on the courts, they are also improving their numbers. Norwood has attracted a lot of new girls to the program this spring and is currently carrying 6 seniors, 3 juniors, and 13 sophomores. All are trying hard and bringing a great attitude to the game, which Tucker believes is a major plus. 

Senior Riley Barnett is one of three Norwood captains to lead the team on and off the courts this year. Along with the other captains, Tuvker is looking for them to move the team in a positive direction while supporting all the newer players and helping them to get better.

Barnett will be holding down the number one singles position for the Mustangs. She has been playing well in her second year as the top dog. Although having a tough beginning facing a lot of good schools, she has been leveling off and is now playing much better.

Sitting just below Barnett in the pecking order playing second singles is sophomore Maia D’Annunzio, another extremely hard-working individual who runs all over the court expelling a lot of energy. She is a dedicated tennis player and takes lessons allowing her to keep pace with the older athletes she goes up against. 

Diya Bhandira, another Norwood captain, is playing third singles for Tucker, and according to the coach, she has already won 4 matches for the Mustangs this season (at press time).

“Diya is a consistent, all-around player that brings a positive atmosphere to the courts,” Tucker said. “She is very good at making her opponents move around the court.”

The final captain, Isabella Gallo, is paired with sophomore Angelina Giovangelo at first doubles. The duo, after Barnett, are the next two best players on the Mustang squad. As a team, they communicate well and when they first got put together last year, they meshed really quickly to eventually form a formidable duo on the courts.

Rounding out the starters at second doubles are sophomores Aaradhya Sivakumar and Maryana Watsa. Sivakumar saw a little bit of action playing doubles last year, while Watsa only hit the court during exhibition matches. 

“Thus far they are doing ok but are still getting use to one another,” Tucker said. “They both bring a court presence and if they can work more cohesively then they will become a good doubles team.”

With a good number of teams on their schedule that are much higher than the Mustangs, the coach knows this will be a good challenge for her team. 

“Having a lot of sophomores on our team this year is good for the future,” Tucker said. “If they continue to keep playing and practicing, they will improve and come next season we should have a good year.”