This week marks the start of the Whitehall girls tennis season, and while it represents some normalcy for this year’s participants, it will still require some adjustments as they navigate the new environment.

Returning for the Zephyrs are seniors Natalia Pedraza, Emily Tran and Karla Anglada. Those three will form the cornerstone of this year’s squad. They’ll be joined by seven underclassmen, so their varsity experience will be invaluable.

Pedraza will once again slide into No. 1 singles. Pedraza occupied the slot last year and helped the Zephs to a 7-8 overall record last year as they leaned on her consistency in the singles bracket.

New head coach Shadimon Navarro said that Pedraza brings hard work and determination to the court. The senior has a wealth of experience, and she possesses excellent shot-making ability combined with some good court savviness.

“She’s very determined to do the best she can,” said Navarro.

Navarro said that Pedraza’s goal is to qualify for districts in this abbreviated season.

At No. 2 singles, senior Tran will be vying for the spot with freshman Sonakshi Sharma.

Navarro said that both players embody the same traits, and chief among those is consistency. She said that the two play the same type of game, and right now the No. 2 spot will be determined between their preseason battles to see who emerges in that slot.

The No. 3 spot will be either Tran or Sharma depending on who ascends to the No. 2 singles slot.

Navarro said that it’s still a fluid situation and everything can change as the season get underway.

At No. 2 doubles, Pedraza will be paired with either Tran or Sharma. Navarro’s still in the process of evaluating both players, seeing how they respond to pressure and that will help inform her decision.

In fact, Navarro said that she wants to see how everyone reacts when the pressure amps up once the stakes are raised. Some of her players have never played the game before and she wants to see how they handle the ups and downs of a match.

No. 3 doubles will feature either Tran or Sharma alongside junior Miranda Ortiz who’s a returning varsity player. Ortiz’s appearance at No. 3 will add some experience and stability to that spot as the Zephs will face a tough schedule of opponents.

At No. 4 doubles, Navarro is looking toward junior Mai Quach and sophomore Alexis Bundra to comprise that duo. Quach is another returning varsity player, and her presence will aid the growth of partner Bundra, a novice to the game.

In addition to those players, the Zephyrs will also need to rely on Anglada, as well as freshmen Brenna Pangaio, Olivia Toto and Camila Aeaque.

Navarro said that her younger players are all eager to learn and she’s looking forward to helping them be successful in the sport. She said she’s already witnessed steady progression during the time she’s spent with them as they’ve prepared for the season.

“I’ve seen so much improvement all ready,” she said.

It will be an abbreviated season this year for the Zephs. They’ll play the same team twice a week beginning with Allen this week. The Canaries represent the first of just four opponents this season. The season is scheduled to begin Sept. 1 and will end on Sept. 30. That may be amended at some point, she said.

It’s Navarro’s first year coaching on any level and she’s looking forward to getting her feet wet in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, a conference she knows well during her time as a varsity tennis player.

“I’m very excited but a little nervous,” said Navarro. “I’m eager to see how it goes.”

She’ll be joined by assistant coach Emily Snyder, another Whitehall graduate who last roamed the asphalt in 2016.

This season departs from all the others in another area: spectators. Navarro said that no fans will be allowed to attend the games. They’ll also have to wear a face covering when not playing and keep the appropriate social distancing as well.

Still, they get to compete and that has they ready to compete in a game they enjoy. Navarro shares their enthusiasm.

“I’m really excited; they’re all really excited,” said Navarro.