Thanks to Maranatha coach Arthur Hsieh for this report:

Girls Tennis:

Part of Coach Arthur Hsieh’s strategy for this season is to have his young and inexperienced squad face much better teams in order to help his players get a better idea of the level of focus, competitiveness, and toughness required to really compete.

Coach Hsieh wants his players to face perenially strong, tough playoff teams to see how they’ll respond to getting blown out by superior competition.

We’ll find out the answer to that in the weeks to come, as league play starts in two weeks.

But before that Maranatha faces another powerhouse in the South Pasadena Tigers, who beat the Lady Minutemen, 15-3, in last year’s contest.

Despite the lopsided loss, there were several positive takeaways for Maranatha today, as several players showed improvement over last week’s outings, particularly in doubles.

#1 Kasey McCoy/Esmee Eaton showed clear progress from their first set to their third, which they won, 4-2 (final sets were shortened due to heat and time on the court).

That progress was also demonstrated by #2 Mia Huang/Mia Su, who won their second set, 6-1.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, reserve Sofia Celis was inserted into the lineup literally at the last minute.

Celis had yet to see playing time this season, but was thrust into the starting role minutes before the match started.

She performed admirably, along with partner, Nelli Breuer, a regular starter.

They didn’t win any sets, but came very close in their opener (4-6).

Singles won two sets today, as #1 Stella Hsieh and #2 Natalie Arminak each registered one win, both at 6-3.

Newcomer #3 Kathryn Khalil failed to win a game, but learned valuable lessons.

Arminak, who is also new to the team, showed continued growth in perseverance and in understanding how to play and manage the high school tennis game.

Hsieh was decidedly off her game today from the outset, over-swinging, over-hitting, and showing uncharacteristic impatience and poor decision-making.

The Lady Minutemen hope she will regain her positive energy and composure in time for the South Pasadena match.

Thursday’s match is at 3:30 p.m. at So. Pasadena HS.