By Harshitha Kothapalli – News Editor 

The Jonathan Law boys tennis team has started the spring season with a new mindset and by serving up victories. 

The team is off to a 2-3 start to the season with wins over Hamden and North Haven.

“This year we’re more dedicated than ever and play every match to the best of our abilities,” senior captain Srivarsh Gudlavalleti said. “We’ve already started off the season on a better foot and I can’t wait to see where it heads.”

Their biggest goal this season is to make states as a team, meaning they will have to win eight matches. 

“We aim to use the growth and camaraderie we’ve built together to exceed our performance from last season,” senior captain Jon Uruchida said. 

Law has also gained three freshmen starters – Ryan Berendt, Dylan Maselli, and Pierce Marini – which has increased the depth of their team.

“(The upperclassmen) try to create a friendly environment where freshmen feel welcome and part of the team,” senior Saharsh Bhatia said. “My goal is to step up and set an example for the freshmen.”

Captains Gudlavalleti, Uruchida, and Arshaq Ahmed all fulfill their duties through a myriad of aspects from leading practices by teaching gameplay and drills to making sure that each of their teammates are physically and mentally ready for matches. 

“Our main idea this year is to make states, but it’s also really important that we work together and create friendships and experiences on the journey,” Gudlavalleti said. 

Each one of their players is laser-focused through their consistent and structured practices. 

“We’ve been working on being able to address our weaknesses and tackle them so that in a match we can quickly adjust to our opposition,” Bhatia said. 

Uruchida knows that all the boys on the team have worked long and hard but also realizes that the nerves are unmatchable.

“To combat the nervous feeling, before every match, we have a team huddle where we motivate each other through speeches and a group chant,” Uruchida said. “This allows the boys to know that we’re in it together.”

While the team has its own objectives, junior Sean Luxeder maintains his personal goals. 

“My goal this season is to have a winning record and to be able to adapt and strategize quickly on the court,” Luxeder said.