After 10-0 Season, Girls Handball Hits the Wall in Finals Rematch

By SOPHIA WONG and BRENIECE NG

With a 10-0 record, the Girls Handball Team bounced into the playoffs, making it all the way to the finals. On May 28, the Hornets faced their biggest competitor, Cardozo, once again. Ultimately, it was déjà vu, as they lost 3-2, the same margin as last year.

Many of the girls said that this was the most upsetting loss of this year, as they fought so hard in their efforts to become champions.

Sophomore Nicole Chen, second doubles, said, “We were really determined to win the title this year, and we played with passion. We made small mistakes and it was a close game. Although we didn’t win, we still made memories.”

Junior Himika Islam said, “It was a very close call and a very tense and exhilarating but good game. My favorite match was Tiffany’s [Lau Wu ‘24, a co-captain] because she played well and so had many good hits! I also think Alie [Moy ‘24, also a co-captain] deserves a shout-out because she put in her best effort and showed her skill level — she was only three away from winning in a tough match.”

Lau Wu said, “Even though we fell short of winning the championship, the team never gave up and fought hard till the last point.”

The girls faced William C. Bryant during the semifinals, winning effortlessly 5-0. Before that, the girls played their quarterfinal game against Newtown. Although they won 4-1, their streak of shutouts was finally stopped by Newtown’s second doubles.

The girls played against Curtis in the first round of the playoffs; it was another landslide, 5-0.

Many of the girls credited their success to Coach Andy Xu, who stepped up to become the main coach this season after Jeff Williams retired.

“[Mr. Xu] is one of the most dedicated and genuine coaches I know. He provides tremendous support for each and every one of us,” said Moy. “I know that he cares deeply for this team, and knowing that makes us all want to strive to get better.”

“A coach can single-handedly make or break a player's experience on a team and maybe even with the sport as a whole,” said senior Joyce Wu. “Thanks to Mr. Xu, and Mr. [Eric] Lee, the boys’ coach, we are able to have fun as more than just a team.”

Along with the new coach, new players like Angelina Chen ‘27, Monica Fan ‘26, and Chloe Eng ‘25 stepped up as well.

“The new team members have been very excited,” said Mr. Xu. “They’re all dedicated and diligent and they come to practice every time.”

Chen said, “I feel honored to be a starter since it’s my first year. We were able to learn handball quicker and transfer our practices to games.”

Eng, who plays first doubles, said, “I was nervous at first, but since Joyce had more experience with handball, I relied on her and it made games less nerve-racking.”

There are many challenges that players face throughout the long season, both physical and mental.

“I sometimes experience anxiety during matches, not being confident enough in my abilities,” said junior Sarah Lok. “But I began to work on myself during practices, especially with my teammates, who have helped me a lot.”

Though a fantastic season ended in disappointment, the team has created many great memories over the last three months.

Wu said, “From our weird moments of trying to pelt each other with a ball to running our daily mile around the track while singing and complaining about how much we hate running, the team has become many players' safe space, and to me, my second family.”

Getting so close to the championship was an emotional hit for the girls, but as they have done all season, they’ll use this moment as a building block to come back stronger next year.

“Don’t be afraid to lose to anyone,” Lau Wu said. “You’ll benefit from learning from your mistakes.”