The Student News Site of The Webb Schools

Webb Canyon Chronicle
The Student News Site of The Webb Schools

Webb Canyon Chronicle
The Student News Site of The Webb Schools

Webb Canyon Chronicle
Categories:

VWS varsity tennis ends historic streak into CIF

Sydney Wuu and Vivien Xi
November 12, 2019
Sydney Wuu
Mariia Lyktar (’22) prepares to hit a forehand down-the-line shot from the baseline.

It was an eventful final week for VWS varsity tennis, as they competed in three grueling CIF games within the span of five days. For the past few years, the team has not made it past the first round after the wildcard match. However, this year was an exception.

After Monday’s wildcard CIF win against South Hills, the team departed campus at 10 a.m. for an 11-hour away game excursion to coastal Santa Barbara, where the Gauls upset #3 seed Laguna Blanca with a final score of 11-7. Later, the team stopped for wood-fired pizzas at Lucky Penny Santa Barbara to celebrate a well-earned victory.

Alice Phung (‘21) said, “After winning the tenth game, the whole team surrounded the score sheet, carefully counting our wins. It went silent and Jenna, one of our captains, suddenly screamed, ‘Oh my God guys, we won!’ We all jumped up and down, hugging and screaming, and, as we all squished into one table at a pizza place to celebrate, I’ve never felt more like a part of a team before.”

On Friday, November 8th, the Gauls faced Marshall Fundamental Secondary School for the second time this season. After falling short to them back in September by two points during a friendly match, the Gauls knew it was going to be a challenge, but felt more motivated than ever to bounce back and give it their all on the courts. 

The score remained neck and neck throughout the entire game as chants of “Go Webb, go Gauls!” echoed off the spectator stands. As the November sun dimmed on the pool courts, the entire team gathered in the fading light to cheer on the last game of doubles, Jenna Hawkes (‘21) and Faith Ferry (‘21), as they secured an overall score of 9-9.

After meticulously adding up individual sets, VWS varsity tennis lost by a handful of games. This heart-wrenching loss marked the end of the season, as teammates gathered on the pool court to high-five the other team and say their tearful goodbyes.

Sarah Balanza (‘22), singles #3, said, “Friday’s game was extremely intense and everyone really tried to play their best. It was a really fun season and we all thought we would be able to win, so it was disappointing once everyone realized that our last game of the season would be lost by a tie.”

Looking towards the future, losing four seniors on the team opens room for the young, up-and-coming players as the team continues to grow and hopefully progress even further into CIF next season. In addition, this year’s initiation of a tennis clinic as a winter afternoon activity encourages both VWS and WSC Webbies to keep up their game during the off-season. 

Tony Gao (‘21), a VWS varsity tennis team manager who spends all three of his seasons on the courts, said, “It’s my first year managing the girls’ season, and this experience has taught me how to communicate with team members while assisting with any issues the team may have. I’m also joining tennis clinic this winter because I get to work on mental toughness, a very essential aspect of tennis, and it’ll help prepare me for the boys’ season.”

Although the transition into winter season is inevitable, the girls will never forget the hugs, tears, cheers, and pictures that encapsulated their 2019 varsity tennis season. The annual team party is on the horizon, but until then, congratulate the girls on a historic CIF run! 

View Story Comments
Print this Story
More to Discover
More in Showcase
Jaeho Lee (‘28) receives a notification. He goes to a secluded place, opens his phone, and starts deciphering the fourth clue. Having successfully made it to the first three checkpoints, he is now tasked with figuring out the rest of the riddles leading him to the remaining checkpoints. But the clues will only get harder and harder to crack. “Decode the clues or tag as many as possible!” said Kenny (‘25). Soon, the zombies will swarm the checkpoints––Jaeho must think of something quick.
After dark: diving into Webb’s annual Zombie Apocalypse
The numbered phone stand used for Reboot November in South Hutch dorm was an efficient system that helped keep track of participating students. The stand, numbered from 1 to 30, allowed students to place their phones in designated slots, making it easy for dorm prefects to monitor participation. “It’s a simple and effective way to stay organized, even though I didn’t participate, I noticed how the system made it easy for everyone to keep track and to make sure no one missed out on their rewards,” said Jarra Jallow (’25). This process helped maintain order and ensured everyone’s phone was accounted for during the challenge.
Week 3 of Reboot November: can Webb earn a no-school day?
Emily Shao (‘26) is sitting at her desk, surrounded by stacks of articles and open browser tabs, deep in research mode as she sifts through scattered details of the P. Diddy case. With limited reliable sources and countless rumors swirling online, information is difficult to find and even harder to verify. “It's like a reminder that we often don’t know what’s happening behind the scenes, even with public figures we think we know,” Emily said. The search for truth feels like peeling back layers of a story far more complicated than any headline could convey.
Diddy’s arrest sparks new conspiracy theories
Annalise Centeno (’26) and Ella Berg (’26) peacefully sit on Huntington Beach with the company of Dr Nguyen’s corgi, Ein. Although the weather was foggy, the beach was still filled with other corgis and attendees. “I really enjoyed relaxing on the beach near the ocean, along with the company of so many puppies,” Annalise Centeno (’26) said. The event was a huge success.
Webbies embark on Corgi Beach Day
The College Guidance Office, hidden between the trees of lower campus, with a table and chairs outside providing a quiet place to work, is where students receive advice and support while preparing for and applying to college. “I think it's hard because it's two counselors supporting 100 students,” said Emily Thornton (’25). “I think you can feel really unsupported.” Only having two counselors for so many students might lead to a lack of knowledge for students about the college process.
Does Webb put too much stress on college admissions?
A large variety of candies is spilling out of a pumpkin trick-or-treat bucket. As Halloween comes to an end, students count their candies and pick out the ones they like to save while arguing over which one is ultimately the best. “Halloween is one of my favorite holidays because I love candies and watching movies,” said Tychelle Moore Cul-pepper (’27). Students have had a fruitful Halloween this year and continue to look forward to next year’s celebration.
Trick or Treat: Halloween candies ranked by students (and the two that sparked debate)
More in Sports
On October 29th, after an intense game, Webb varsity water polo players participated in the customary post-game high five with the opposing team, Pioneer High School. This game marked the beginning of CIF and ended with a promising score of 13-4. “Coming in as the underdogs brings a thrill of uncertainty to the playoffs and knowing we're playing our best is encouraging,” Neil Xu (‘27) said. As the team steadily progresses through CIF, their advancement raises the question: how did the team get here despite not participating in any league games?
Varsity water polo strives for CIF victory
Varsity girls' tennis had their senior night match last week. Claudia Yang (‘25), Jasmine Beseth (2’5), Saira Bhagat (‘25), Penelope Sugihara (‘25), and Lindsey Azurin (‘25) can be seen posing with their fellow seniors. The Gauls overall performed well and won against Pacifica Christian.
Girls’ tennis dominates their senior night
It is 4:55 PM. Webb’s two upper tennis courts nestled in between the Jameson, Kirkhill, and Appleby dorms, glowing beneath an October sky washed in crimson. Soon, darkness will settle, and with daylight savings pushing sunset an hour earlier, dwindling light will make it tough for the players to carry on. “A few small lights would a nice addition,” said Larry (‘26).
From classrooms to courts: Webb's vision for enhancing sports infrastructures
The fall sports teams are kicking off their season with strong performances. For instance, the football team showcases resilience in a tough match, the girls' cross-country team poses after a tiring race, and the boys' cross country and water polo teams practice for their next league game. “It was wonderful seeing huge improvements from everyone on the team,” said Dorothy Ma (‘25), a girls’ cross country runner. As these teams advance in their season, they are looking forward to hopefully seizing a spot in league and in CIF playoffs.
Better together: Fall sports 2024 updates
Starting pitcher and fourth in the batting lineup Ayan Kaushal (‘24) receives wise words from catcher Mikey Pino (‘26) to help kick off the game with a quick inning. Kaushal, this year's baseball team captain, communicates with his catcher with confidence and calmness to ensure that all throw calls are understood and the inning goes by smoothly. The WSC Gauls played a strong first playoff game against Calvary Chapel, winning in the last inning 4-3.
Webb Baseball Erupts with a Comeback Season
Sophomore catcher Mikey Pino (‘26), who has already logged 17 hits and 16 runs with a season batting average of .436, extends his arms as he drives the outside pitch to right field for a double, putting the team in a great position to score. “I have felt really good in the box while hitting,” said Mikey Pino (‘26), “Recently I feel like I cannot get out, I feel amazing”
Webb baseball charges ahead in playoff run
About the Contributors
Sydney Wuu
Sydney Wuu, Editor-in-Chief
Imagine being Editor-in-Chief for the Webb Canyon Chronicle, VWS all-school president, co-captain of the varsity tennis and water polo teams, and a big-time koala lover! Sydney Wuu (‘20), a senior boarding student from Pasadena, California, is all of these descriptions at once. You can catch Sydney listening to Khalid, watching Disney movies, or hanging out with her friends eating green tea mochi. Born on July 1st, Sydney portrays many of the characteristics of a Cancer: creative, loyal, and adventurous. Sydney employs these skills in her favorite humanities classes such as Advanced Studies Human Migration or Advanced Studies Cold War Era. Her goal this year is to broaden the horizons of the WCC with different forms of media, such as YouTube, Spotify playlists, and infographics.
Vivien Xi
Vivien Xi, Chief Copy Editor
Vivien Xi (‘21) is a positive and energetic soul from Shanghai, China. This year, she has taken on the role of Chief Copy Editor for the Webb Canyon Chronicle. She is perfect for the position because she is motivated, responsible, organized, and loves helping others. Over the summer, she interned at multiple financial firms and worked at a restaurant. Vivien’s spirit animal is a bee, because they are always working diligently and socializing with others. Vivien's busy bee work ethic will serve her well working on the WCC team and in her near future, especially since she wants to study economics and media. She enjoys playing tennis, eating sushi, and hanging out with friends and family. She wishes to make a positive impact in life, big or small. Vivien has gained a confident voice from working with the Webb Canyon Chronicle. This year, she plans to use her voice and platform on the WCC to speak out about healthcare systems around the world and how COVID-19 has impacted those systems.