Girls Athletes of the Week:

Freshman, Grace Yang, has had a strong start to her high school career, going 11-0 thus far; while sophomores, Mia Huang and Mia Su, are 9-1.

All three underclassmen have anchored Maranatha during the young season, as there were several illnesses on the team, forcing other top starters to miss matches, including their three captains.

Coach Arthur Hsieh asked each of them to shoulder an extra load in light of their absences.

They responded by leading the way for their respective singles and doubles squads.

In the second match of the season, against San Gabriel, Yang was down 1-5 in the first round, but implemented her coach’s advice to perfection to comeback and win 7-6(5).

That set, along with another comeback at the #1 singles spot, enabled the Lady Minutemen to even the score at 3-3, instead of facing a 1-5 deficit.

In their third match, against Blair, Grace was moved to #1 singles (which carries more pressure for a freshman) due to the absence of their top player.

She responded with solid play and a sweep.

Huang and Su moved from the #2 doubles slot last year to the #1 slot this year.

They have been learning to take the lead as the #1 doubles team and to set the tone for Maranatha’s doubles lineup.

Their only hiccup thus far was a 6-7(6) in the first round against San Gabriel v. their #1, when we were missing both players from our #2 doubles team.

They were semifinalists in the league tourney last season and hope to take another step forward this season.

They have been dominant, energetic, and composed, and have provided the team needed points in doubles, especially when key players were out sick.

Photos courtesy of Amanda Lin.