The Hopkins women’s and men’s tennis teams emerged victorious this past weekend, each winning nine out of nine matches against McDaniel College.
The women kicked off their triumphant Saturday with three doubles wins, beginning with an 8-0 win for senior Anjali Kashyap and graduate student Sophia Strickland. Kashyap shared her delight at winning another match with her doubles partner of four years.
“I think we came out aggressive and actively took each point from McDaniel,” she said.
Shortly after, sophomores Anjali Devireddy and Emily Javedan mirrored the upperclassmen in their own 8-0 win. Freshman Ali Bader and senior Dhanya Asokumar closed out the doubles matches by the same score.
The women also swept all six singles matches, with Javedan leading the way with an impressive 6-0, 6-0 win over McDaniel’s Liz Fyfe. Bader and Strickland followed suit, each shutting out their opponents. Junior Jessica Liang brought the lead to seven with her 8-0 win over Deja Hitch, followed by 8-0 wins for junior Sophie Saland and freshman Hallie Gallo.
The women have now won 133 consecutive matches in the Centennial Conference regular season.
Kashyap expressed her thoughts about returning to matches so triumphantly after a year off.
“Last year, COVID took our season and left us in a state of shock and sadness. When my coach texted us we were having a season again, I think everyone felt immense gratitude and privilege for the opportunity to do what we love,” she said. “Since then, we have come back to the courts more passionate than ever, enjoying every moment while also having a championship mentality.”
The men also have ambitions of becoming national champions, winning 118 of the last 119 regular season Conference matches. Their 9-0 shutout at McDaniel featured three forfeits: at third doubles and at fifth and sixth singles. Seniors Vishnu Joshi and Jack Hogan brought the lead to four early on, winning 8-0 against McDaniel’s Del Carden and Quinn Burker. Fellow seniors Robby Simon and Eric Yoo then finished out the doubles with another 8-0 win.
Simon reflected on the successive wins and expressed his gratitude for his teammates.
“It felt great to win both of my matches on Saturday, especially since I was playing alongside my fellow seniors,“ he said. “Given how last season ended, every opportunity to compete alongside my teammates is a privilege.”
In singles, Joshi shut out Carden once again, followed by Yoo, who had the same result over Burker. Simon pushed the lead to eight with his 6-1, 6-0 win over Jimmy Wawrzynski, and Jack Hogan finished off the day with a 6-0, 6-0 win over Noah Friedman.
Simon reflected on the team’s ambition and ability.
“Every year, there is a feeling that we are building towards something bigger than ourselves. This year is no different,” he said. “Our team has a great amount of young talent and senior leadership, and our goal remains unchanged from years past: to win a national championship. For myself, I would like to contribute to the team’s success however I can.”
Joshi expressed his desire to win a national championship with his teammates.
“Given the strength of our incoming freshman class, we know that winning a national championship is on the table for us this year,” Joshi said. “Therefore, our aim is to play as a national championship team would, and that means coming out ready to win every point in every match on any given Saturday.”
He also has his sights set on an individual national title, adding that he wants to prove that he is among the best players in the country.
Joshi credits his teammates for supporting him along the way. He aims to give back to the team not only by helping them win silverware but also through leading by example.
“Hopkins has always had talented players, but there is something distinctly different about this year than in years past,” he said. “Everyone is buying in, going the extra mile and leaving everything out on the table physically and mentally. As a captain, I can’t ask for more... I want to continue becoming a better leader and captain.”
Determined to continue the quest for national championships, both the women and men will travel to Washington College for their next matches on Saturday, April 10.
