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Serving in sync, Charan Kodakandla ’29 and Jiya Gulpers ’28 wield their rackets with speed. Before the game, members of the team had discussed the importance of aggressive serves against the defensively apt players of Vandergrift.
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Preparing to slice the ball, Daniel Zhang ’26 stretches across the baseline. One of the most seasoned and highest rated competitors on the team, Zhang has been a pivotal part in the team’s state championship last year.
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Setting herself up for a backhand, Jiya Guleria ’28 readies to hit a cross court shot. The athlete had a successful run in the previous season and has a record of beating higher ranked competitors.
Continuing their early season success on Tuesday, Sept. 16, the varsity tennis team took the victory against the Vandegrift Vipers, a team ranked by the Texas Tennis Coaches Association to be 11th overall in Texas. Playing precise tennis from start to finish, the Warriors outmaneuvered and outhit the Vipers in one of their biggest and most challenging games of the season.
These early games serve as a proving ground for a new roster, where the coaches are able to give their first pieces of advice to a new generation of players and begin to build strong team morale. This year’s varsity team introduces new, talented freshmen to the roster, giving them the opportunity to play with more seasoned upperclassmen and gain valuable experience in the process.
“Westwood is doing pretty well. [We continue to be] undefeated, [ranked] number one in the state,” Ethan Wang ‘29 said “We are a well rounded team, and as I see the games play out, I think we are up in every game.”
Some games did pose the Warriors a challenge, with Vandergrift taking early leads in multiple different matches by playing consistent groundstrokes and minimizing unforced errors. However, keeping their composure even when down allowed the Warriors to take the stride. With perseverance and adaptation, Westwood emerged victorious.
“We had a bad start but we [managed] to push through and finish the game very strong,” Gavin Wang ‘27 said. “We were serving very good, we played very aggressive and I think that’s why we won.”
Aside from multiple big wins for the Warriors, the game against the Vipers also served as a training ground for the team to work on their soft skills and grow as a community in the process.
“[I found that] communication was the most important part. I played with my brother and [communication made us] play well,” Kavish Parikh ‘29 said. “[The game] is fun and we are able to mess around and try new shots on court. The other freshman and us were close before, but we’re even closer now.”
The Warrior won against Vandergrift in an impressive 15-4 fashion. Slaying the Vipers, the Warriors will take on the Westlake Chaps in their next home game on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
![Focused, Grace Toledo '28 prepares to set the ball, as part of the warm up. Toledo played a crucial role in backrow during the Warrior's game against the Raiders. "[In the third set] we fixed our serves, and filled in the gaps," Toledo said.](jpg/edit_2025-09-16_jvo-volleyball-vs-cedar-ridge_preeyapanwalker_1-e1758381918417-697x1200.jpg)
![With his mom nervously watching, Elliot Fearnow '26 returns a serve in his tiebreaker point. After a long rally, Fearnow was eventually bested by his opponent. "I've played [my opponent] before," Fearnow said, "so I would've liked to win. [I need to improve] my mental game and consistency."](jpg/2024-09-26_jv_orange_roundrock_oliveirag_0152%400.5x-1200x730.jpg)
![Ball in the air, Marcus Fung ’28 jumps up, preparing to hit a serve. He and his duo were able to play skillfully during the doubles matches. “Mostly everyone’s winning, [but] I think [overall] there was a lot to improve on,” Singh said. “While you play, you just have to run to every ball [and] get it in somehow.”](jpg/fung_marcus28-e1726952016266-1160x1200.jpg)
