On Tuesday afternoon, the Foothill girls’ tennis team defeated the Santa Paula High School Cardinals 12-6 in a home match at Ventura College.

All three singles players, sophomore Enkela Qoshlli, freshman Erin Gaynor, and junior Laina Feath, “swept their matches,” according to Coach Brad McClain.

Qoshlli said that she and her team came into this match with a game plan.

“They had some strong players,” said Qoshlli. “Before this match, Thatcher was the only team that had beat them. That goes for us also. They are our number one competition behind the number one seat Thatcher.”

Qoshlli had trouble early on with the Cardinals’ number one player but was able to adjust.

“Once we were able to adjust to their number one player’s playing style, she became a much easier opponent. In the end we all pulled through and played some very long, tiresome rallies and were able to defeat them as a whole,” said Qoshilli.  

In doubles, sisters sophomore Sherlyn and junior Summer Kouvilay won two out of their three sets. This is the first time this season they have dropped a set, but they still went on to win the match.

Team captain and doubles player Karina Cole was “thrilled” by the performance of her team.

“We came into this match knowing that it was going to be a tougher match to win,” said Cole. “My partner and I started off slow, but I think that we progressed well throughout the games and we got a rhythm between us in the end regarding calling balls and our placement as well.”

McClain was happy with his team’s hard work.

“This match was to settle who deserves second place,” said McClain.

The Dragon’s record is now 8-1 overall, 5-1 in league. The next match will be league play at home against St. Bonaventure High School on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 3 p.m.