Emma Lee (’27)
Tennis being played.
After a strong 2024-2025 season, the Saint Francis girls’ varsity tennis team is back to serve some aces. Entering the 2025-2026 season with a 17-player roster, the promising team looks to dominate the West Coast Athletic League (WCAL) and make a far run in the Central Coast Section (CCS).
Despite having a few ups and downs during their preseason, the Lancers pushed to gain a 4-5 record before the start of WCAL. The Lancers began their season with a scrimmage against Los Altos, the defending CCS Team Champions, in which the Lancers took a stunning win. They ended their run at the Golden State Classic Doubles Tournament by defeating Foothill High School, and then concluded their preseason with an assertive victory over Homestead High School. The Lancers have demonstrated that they are willing to give their all on the court.
As the WCAL season arrives, senior captains Aanya Singh (’26), Eden White (’26), and Isabella Froman (’26) have voiced that they are most nervous to play Saint Ignatius, the Lancers’ top competitors in WCAL. Despite tension, Froman, one of the team’s singles players, also voiced her excitement for the match-up, while Singh and White expressed their excitement to play Archbishop Mitty, another of the Lancers’ top rivals in the league.
There is no doubt that this team will continue to dominate against other teams in their league, such as Sacred Heart Cathedral and Presentation High School, as the Lancers achieved multiple clean sweeps last season. However, the senior captains are looking for more than just wins. Froman said her main hope for this year is for the team “to be supportive of each other.” Singh and White agreed, adding that they want a team with “enthusiasm that will come together.” They hope to accomplish this bonding through gameday hype and pregame rituals. Froman specifically mentioned a prayer, in which the team stands in a circle, interlocking pinkies and saying the “Our Father,” as well as the “cheer and bus rides.” Singh and White agreed, adding that they love “listening to good music on the bus ride there.”
The foundation of this team stems from their young, enthusiastic coach, Alena Pruett. This season is only Pruett’s second with the team; however, her hopes and faith are high. Pruett affirmed the senior captain’s aspirations of building a strong team, voicing that her goal for this season is to foster a “close-knit team.” In addition to this, Pruett adds how she aspires for the team “to have fun and come back better players.”
The Girls’ Tennis Team aims to continue finding success in their league by securing wins in WCAL and excelling in CCS. The team is ready to face any opponent that comes their way, as they show their resilience and perseverance on the court. Come out and support our Lancers at Cuesta!