Playing against tough opponents, the tennis team has experienced difficulties but continued a trend of positivity.

There are two groups of players on Malvern’s tennis team. One plays for fun, while the other takes the game seriously. However, every member of the team gives it his best when it comes time for match play.

“We understand that we are up against teams like EA and Haverford,” sophomore Patrick Murphy said. “We know that we are not going to win, but it is still good to put up your best and have fun doing it.”

Murphy swings between playing as the number two or three for singles. He competes for the number two spot with his fellow classmate and teammate, sophomore Alex Bull.

“In my rivalry against Alex Bull, I want to keep a consistent record of beating him,” Murphy said. “And then, put up a challenge against our #1 player, Dylan Tran. Hopefully, I get the chance to play him. I am sure I won’t be able to beat him but at least show him a good time while we are playing.”

Junior Dylan Tran has been a member of Malvern’s varsity tennis team the past three years. He was elected Co-Captain this year and has enjoyed his time playing tennis for Malvern.

“There is a lot of tough competition,” Tran said. “If I went to a public school, maybe I would get more wins but I would not be playing at as high of a level.”

Tran is relatively new to the game, starting the summer going into his freshman year.

“At first, I was playing for fun but I started to really enjoy it,” Tran said. “I thought maybe I would try to get on the team next year. And when tryouts came around, I was good enough to play varsity.”

Since Tran’s freshman year, the team has not been that strong. But, he knows what they need to work on.
“Fundamentals,” Tran said. “It would be good to teach some of the young kids how to play real doubles. Other than that, we have to train because there is more goofing off than I would like.”

Murphy agrees with Tran that winning does not come naturally. It takes something special, and that is grit.

“It is important that you keep pushing yourself because when you slow down in tennis, your technique might get bad,” Murphy said.

Tran shared his goals for the season and what his hopes are for the future. “I am hoping to win some matches as an individual and a team. We are trying to build on the younger players so next year we will have a much better team,” he said.