SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Senior tennis player Alyse Andre is the lone senior on the St. Francis team but her impact has extended well beyond a strong forehand or doubles win.

“Alyse as our only senior more than anything has brought enthusiasm and a fun, free spirit,” said Head Coach Kristi Spector. “She has always been a doubles or an exhibition player; she never had one of the top singles spots but she has always been positive and encouraging while taking the younger girls under her wing.”

Andre’s influence is evident on and off the court with her teammates.

“Alsye has been such a good member of this team because she is such a good friend and I can talk to her about anything,” said sophomore Megan Khan. “She is super fun to play with on the court.”

Andre and Kahn carpool to practices and matches, giving them plenty of time to talk.

“I love all our rides home,” said Khan. “We get to talk about a lot.”

Andre has played on the team since her sophomore year and has been the lone member of the Class of 2015 to play tennis. She has treasured the relationships she has made with teammates both older and younger during her career.

“The highlight has been all the girls I have met,” said Andre. “I have been the only sophomore, junior and senior (each year). I have met a lot of girls from the other grades.”

Andre was recognized before the home match against Franklin at Rio del Oro Racquet club. It was an emotional moment for all the players and coaches.

“I am going to try to keep composure,” said Andre before taking the court. “I have been playing since my sophomore year. It is really exciting to play my last one here and really support and be there for everybody.”

On Wednesday Andre helped the Troubadours pull out a 6-3 win over Franklin with a three-set win at No. 2 doubles playing with Khan. The pair rallied from down a set after losing the first 7-6 in a tiebreaker to win the match with a 6-3, 6-4 finish to the match. They were tied at 4 in the third before winning the final two games.

“What a way to have a last home match for our only senior,” said Spector.

Andre has now posted an 8-3 record in doubles this season, playing a key role in the success of the team. High school tennis matches are decided by six singles and three doubles matches with each worth one point.

“I love playing doubles,” said Andre. “You get to play with a friend and there is someone else on the court with you.”

Andre has played with four different partners over the course of the season.

“She is one of the sweetest, big-hearted players I have seen,” said Assistant Principal Ann Marie Faires, who coached the team in 2012. “Her support for her team is phenomenal. She is encouraging, enthusiastic and positive.”

Spector said the 4-11 Andre has improved her focus over the last two years on the court.

“Win or lose, she is always going to have a smile on her face,” said Spector.

Andre is the perfect example of a teammate and the spirit of the competition.

“We just want to try to support everyone and keep our head in the game,” said Andre before the match. “I am not really focusing on winning but trying my best. That is a true victory.”

On Wednesday, she did both with a smile.

St. Francis 6, Franklin 3

Singles

1. Jacquie Tan, F, def. Avery Spector, SF, 6-3, 6-3

2. Kayla Nguyen, F, def. Kiya Jackson, SF, 6-2, 7-6

3. Kyla Jackson, SF, def. Kathleen Qin, F, 6-3, 6-0

4. Marisa Fat, SF, def. Jenny Xue, F, 6-1, 6-3

5. Annie Gianulias, SF, def. Kajal Maran, F, 7-6, 6-4

6. Abby Benvenuti, SF, def. Cindy Lam, F, 7-5, 6-2

Doubles

1. Jennifer Tham/Rachel Yee, F, def. Eden Elliott/Jordaine Tran, SF, 6-0, 6-1

2. Megan Khan/Alyse Andre, SF, def. Sharon Hsu/Lara Lam, F, 6-7, 6-3, 6-4

3. Sabrina Voeller/Cameron Parra, SF, def. Lesley Wong/Cynthia Tze, F, 7-5, 3-6, 6-3