The women’s and men’s tennis teams are looking forward to a new season, with prospects of going to state the championship.

With both teams playing their first conference matches on Tuesday, coaches and players alike are hopeful they are headed for a winning season.

“Our teams have plenty of experienced and strong players this season,” said Head Coach Eva de Mars.

The women’s and men’s teams practice together, however matches are separate.

“We play one through six singles on both sides and double teams, with a total of nine matches,” said de Mars.

Angela Hurtado, 20, is returning for her second year with the Hawks and has a positive outlook for the up and coming season.  

“It’s so far so good,” said Hurtado, who won her singles match against Santa Rosa on Feb. 5.

In pre-season, the women’s team has and 1-1 record, with a 5-4 win at Santa Rosa.

“I think we have a pretty good chance this season,” continued Hurtado.

For the 2018 season, the women’s team suffered a 0-7 conference record and were 0-10 overall. The men’s team also ended the 2018 conference season 0-4 and 1-5 overall.

“I’m excited for the season, and everything that’s going to come,” said 19-year-old Kyle Lopez.

Lopez won his single match against Shasta College during the season opener on Jan. 29.

Overall, both teams are composed of equally talented players, said de Mars.

However, one player to keep an eye on this season is Kien Dang.

“He’s definitely a higher level and very competitive,” said de Mars.

Prior to playing for the Hawks, Dand lived in Vietnam but ultimately came to the states where he is also pursuing a nursing degree, continued de Mars.

The teams said they have high hopes of making it to state this season and have been focusing on mental and physical ways to make sure they get there.

Along with with exercising and conditioning, Hurtado said the teams focus on the idea that “tennis is mental.”

“In order to win, you need to have a good mentality to win,” Hurtado said.