Natalie Guzman is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Trevor G. Browne for AZPreps365.com

Trevor Browne will play its first Phoenix Union High School opponent, Alhambra High School, on Thursday, Sept. 28, at Alhambra.

Last season, the team lost to Alhambra 1-8 and, according to AIA records, the only player to win was senior Alessandra Gordillo. Though Alhambra (3-6) is ranked second in the region, Trevor Browne is hopeful for a different ending this year, as it has already had close losses in its last two games.

“Some of the improvements we made is some of our footwork and learning how to utilize the court in order to win points and how not to have so many mistakes while we play,” said head coach Danell McPhaul.

So far, the team's biggest weakness has been its doubles teams. In total there are three doubles teams, doubles one and two referring to the first two “seeds” of doubles teams within the team.

“My doubles [teams] one and two right now, they’re hurting themselves by making mistakes,” McPhaul said. “Right now in practice, we’re just trying to work out those kinks to make sure they make less mistakes, and they don’t beat themselves.”

There are six varsity players who are ranked within the team who play against another school’s top-six players. The team that wins the match is the one with the most winning matches out of the nine total matches.

“Doubles is always a bit more complicated because it is a two versus two match,” said junior Mariana Quintero, who is varsity No. 2 and plays on the second doubles team. “My partner and I have to work together to beat the opponent’s team. Although it sounds simple, it’s quite tricky because partners have to have good communication.”

Quintero’s partner, varsity No. 4 junior Jocelyn Ayala, said she has learned to trust more, to be more confident in her partner, and to communicate better.

“Fixing the little things helps a lot and makes a big difference in the game,” Ayala said. “I think this match will help us show up.”

The game begins at 4 p.m. at Alhambra High School.

The team's captain, varsity No. 1 senior Birydiana Cervantes, said away matches are no different than playing at Trevor Browne in terms of mental and physical challenges.

“I warm up and have the confidence to win and do my best out in the court,” Cervantes said.