20-7. That is the combined win-loss record between the West Haven boys and girls tennis teams this season. 

“Our girls have been working very hard,” said Girls Captain Hilari Morrobel-Diplan.

The girls are 10-2 and the boys are 10-5 and both teams have already qualified for states. 

When you think of the sports that West Haven High School has to offer, most likely tennis does not bounce into your mind, but things may be very different with a new era starting. 

“I think that the biggest contribution to that [strong start] is the dedication from the offseason from all of the players really wanting to improve their game and be a part of the team,” said Girls Head Coach Michael Barraco.

The girls team is first in their Tier III division and most recently qualified for states via a win against Hamden. The qualification is for the team–as of now there have been no individual qualifications.

It has been a while since both teams have had solid seasons at the same time, and with the addition of new tennis courts from the school being rebuilt, it provides a new environment to both players and coaches.

“The reason why we are having a good season is two things, longevity and teamwork,” said Boys Head Coach Kevin Dickson.

Tennis is a very demanding sport and frankly goes below the radar of toughness compared to other skilled sports. To be a good tennis player you need hand-eye coordination along with arm strength and stamina to handle running back and forth, possibly for a prolonged period of time with very short breaks.

Nevertheless the tennis game has changed in West Haven, and the future looks brighter than the fluorescent yellow color that a tennis ball is so famously known for.