Next Tuesday the Lady Saint netters host the Cabrillo Conquistadores at Minami Center at 3:30 p.m.

Last week, the Saints won their opening two Los Padres League matches with a 13-5 victory over Lompoc on Sept. 20 and 12-6 over Templeton on Sept. 22. At press time the ladies were 5-2 overall and 2-1 in league. 

“It feels great knowing that all the hard work over the summer and previous years is paying off,” said number one doubles player Lupe Garcia.

“It provides a sense of confidence, accomplishment, and excitement for the rest of the season,” said Garcia.

Defeating the local tennis teams in Santa Maria can be counted among the Saints’ victories. The Saints routed the Pioneer Valley Panthers 13 – 5 and SM edged the St. Joseph Knights 9-9 with the Saint victory coming because of games won.

The Saints ultimate goal is a Los Padres League championship, but simply making the CIF playoffs is also important.

“There are a lot of challenges, especially having a lot of freshmen coming in,” said junior varsity coach Pablo Rojas, “But knowing Santa Maria, we have a lot good players, and tennis just comes naturally to them.

With two-hour practices every Monday and Wednesday, hour-long practices on Fridays, and matches every Tuesdays and Thursdays, the tennis players hardly have any free time.  Some girls even spend their free time on the weekends playing tennis and practicing. 

“I think we’ve stepped up a notch or two from last year,” said varsity tennis player Monica Hernandez, “It’s difficult keeping the balance between tennis and school work, but somehow we still manage.

The varsity netters feature three seniors at singles, Kaylene Rivas, Mitzi Estevez and Elizabeth. The doubles are anchored by seniors Garcia and Estrella Torres.