Senior doubles player Aarushi Kamra hits a forehand during a recent match. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

The Hopkinton High School girls tennis team headed for the homestretch of the season well within striking distance of securing the top spot in the Tri-Valley League, with coach Lyn Calkins’ team winning 10 of its first 13 matches overall and posting a 9-2 mark in the league.

Leading the way for the Hillers are three captains with a combined 10 years of varsity experience: seniors Avery Michaud, Aarushi Kamra and Caitlin Mangan.

“With four newcomers on the team, our three captains have been vital,” Calkins said. “They are making the newcomers feel comfortable and showing them how to manage their schoolwork along with the tennis responsibilities.”

Calkins said that it’s a credit to the three captains that the team has jelled so well.

“They support each other during matches on and off the court, and they encourage each other,” Calkins said, “especially in the tough matches that we have faced.”

In addition to replacing players lost to graduation last year, Hopkinton has had to play without Mangan due to an injury. But the Hillers have a pair of 2024 TVL All-Stars in junior May Chen and Michaud in the No. 1 and No. 2 singles positions.

“May has played against some very strong competition, and she is playing well and with more patience, utilizing a different strategy than last year,” Calkins said. “Avery, as always, is extremely consistent and wins a lot of matches for us.”

Senior Siya Jagdale and freshman Sian Sreejesh have contributed at third singles. At doubles, Kamra has teamed up with sophomore Swiya Patel.

“Swiya has been extremely consistent for us,” Calkins said. “She is the lone lefty on the team, and she has risen from the No. 2 doubles position to play No. 1 this season.”

The second doubles pairing of sophomore Charlotte Nadeau and freshman Eva Lacoche has scored a significant number of points for the successful squad.

Calkins said the goal for the spring has been to have fun while embracing the pressure of competitive tennis.

“We want to continue to improve our individual technical skills and work on different strategies throughout matches,” Calkins said, adding that the program hopes to be atop the TVL standings despite the league being deeper than it ever has been. But as the TVL gets tougher, so do Calkins’ players.

“With more experience,” she said, “they are only going to continue to improve.”