It has been a season of growth for the Fresno City College Women’s tennis team. The team that was once quieter than a Prius is now louder than the women of The View.

“At first we didn’t communicate. Our moral has gone up and we understand each other better now. We even know each other’s strength and weaknesses,” said Amber Iqbal. There’s no one on the team that hasn’t improved. We have improved our strokes, footwork, speed and we have improved as competitors.”

The team finished the season with a 12-2 record and is now looking forward to the playoffs.

“It’s not as easy as it looks. We have worked hard since the fall to get to where we are,” said Iqbal. “Tennis is such a mental sport and our focus has become much better.

Katherine McFeeters has inscribed the word “focus” on her tennis shoes. “We have worked hard every day. It’s a big commitment,” said McFeeters. McFeeters has improved in doubles play and become more aggressive with volleys.

Estefania Salgado has made her reputation as one of the smartest and mentally toughest players on the team. “I give it a 120 percent. It doesn’t matter if I’m bleeding, I will play for three hours straight,” said Salgado. “I tell myself I can’t lose. I tell myself I have to run two miles if I lose.”

Salgado is proud of the progress she has seen in her team. “Our sophomores have become much better and our losses are minimized. We are louder, we cheer for each other and we stay positive,” said Salgado.

Another player that has made huge strides is Andrea Pereyra. “We go into matches believing we will win,” said Pereyra.”We don’t think about other things when we’re playing, only tennis.”

In one of her toughest and longest matches of the season, Pereyra battled hard but came up short.  Pereyra lost the first set, won the second and lost the third. Nevertheless, Pereyra is not discouraged. “This time of the year it’s mentally challenging. Everyone is tired but we won’t give up. We’re in it to win it,” said Pereyra.

This year the Rams will host the State Championships. The players believe playing in front of family and friends will gave them an added boost. Estefania Salgado said “We are proud to host. We want to play fair but we want to dominate.”

The Rams will be competing against the best teams in the state.

“It will be a fight, but we can overcome. Nothing can hold us back,” Amber Iqbal said.