
By Robert Balajadia
The St. John’s Knights won three of four matches Thursday afternoon in convincing fashion as they defeated the Academy Cougars 30-13 at the Ninete Tennis Court. The big match-up of the day was the singles showdown between Knight Anika Sachdev and Joycelyn Tenai, two of the four finalists in last years All-Island Tournament.
Sachdev, a senior, is starting her final campaign on a strong note by adding a big win over Tenai with an 8-2 final in their singles match. Thursday’s match proved to be a milestone for Anika as she’s never been able to get a win against the Cougars until now.
Facing off against former Cougars like Tara Usita-Lee and Victoria Smith, who went on to win MVP titles, has only hardened Sachdev for her final stretch. Facing the Cougars in the regular season one last time was quite different this time around for Anika.
“I’m always nervous when it comes to facing Academy. My record against them hasn’t been very good. I was nervous at first, but all I was thinking was that I had nothing to lose. As long as I played my best then it wouldn’t really matter the outcome. I wasn’t overthinking it today, not trying to kill every ball and ace every serve, I was just trying to play the game that I know that I’ve been building up for the past four years,” admitted Anika.
In fact, preparing for her final season has been a completely different approach.
“It’s bittersweet, but I’m trying to set a record for myself. Of course I want to keep my scores and record good, but I really just want to enjoy my last high school season.”
The Cougars didn’t grab the team win but Mika Alcantara’s close victory over St. Knight Ayuka Lin was as meaningful and emotional as they come. Alcantara has been a doubles player up until her now final season and winning her first match with her dad and older sister in attendance was enough to let out some post game tears.
“I didn’t grow up playing tennis and I only played in high school because my sister played. It wasn’t something that I thought I could do before and I’ve surprised myself. My sister even skipped her class today to watch me and this is her first time seeing my play singles. And the fact that I won when she was here was emotional,” said Alcantara.
Results
Singles
St. John’s – Anika Sachdev 8, AOLG – Joycelyn Tenai 2
AOLG – Mika Alcantara 8, St. John’s – Ayuka Lin – 6
Doubles
St. John’s – Luna Puangco/Kaia Malakooti 8, AOLG – Christabelle Basto/Emilee Yamamoto 1
St. John’s – Aprile Kim/Rachel Seo 8, AOLG – Andrea Cruz/Maria Egurrola
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GPS Sports Calendar
February 2023
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
Events for January
1st
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
2nd
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
Events for February
3rd
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
TRITONS BASEBALL INVITATIONAL PLAYOFFS
Events for February
4th
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Events for February
6th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
7th
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
8th
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
9th
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
Events for February
10th
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
TRITONS BASEBALL INVITATIONAL FINALS
Events for February
12th
MONSTER ENERGY MOTOCROSS ROUND 2
Events for February
13th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
14th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
15th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
Events for February
16th
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
Events for February
17th
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
Events for February
18th
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2K/5K
World Athletics Cross Country Championships
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
Events for February
20th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
21st
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
22nd
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
23rd
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
Events for February
24th
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL QUARTERFINALS
Events for February
24th
Events for February
25th
Events for February
27th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL SEMIFINALS
ISA GIRLS SOCCER SEMIFINALS
Events for February
28th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL FINALS
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE SEMIFINALS
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL SEMIFINALS

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