GROUND STROKE—Simi Valley High senior Ashley Hayes goes ow to return a shot. Hayes plays doubles with Angela Apinyavat. These Pioneers know how to win and have fun.

After losing a solid core of seniors, the Simi Valley High girls’ tennis team didn’t know what to expect this season.

“I’m shocked we’re doing this well,” SVHS head coach Rob Wickwire said.

The Pioneers aren’t just playing their own brand of unconventional tennis; they have a chance to win their first Marmonte League championship since 1997.

And they’re certainly enjoying the ride, not just the destination.

Linsey Wilson proudly sported a white ribbon for winning the consolation bracket of a ping pong tournament.

“Now I’m in the top-10 of all ping pong players in the school,” said Wilson with pride.

SMASHING SUCCESS—Simi Valley High 13-year-old freshman Ankita Devareddy has been a welcome addition to the Pioneer varsity squad this year. Devareddy plays singles for SVHS. Cassie Popp and Katie Crilley, Simi Valley’s top doubles tandem, are known as “B.P.”—for “Blonde Power.”

Duh.

“Our teammates cheer us on, ‘Let’s go B.P!’” Crilley said.

Casey Anderson and Devon Gersh have their own special way to pump each other up.

“We flash a thumbs-up sign to each other before each game,” Gersh said.

“It’s for encouragement,” Anderson said, finishing Gersh’s thought.

Yup. These are the Pioneers.

They’re a fun, talented and upbeat bunch.

That makes Wickwire, in his 14th year guiding SVHS, one happy coach.

“I’ve been extremely happy with the girls,” Wickwire said after Wednesday’s practice. “They’ve done everything I’ve asked. No one’s complained. The kids trust me. I can’t ask for anything more.

“It’s been a great year. I’ll be sad when it’s over.”

The Pioneers’ success starts, but certainly doesn’t end, with the talented Wilson sisters.

Senior Tianna Wilson has enjoyed another strong season, along with her younger sibling, Linsey, a sophomore.

“They’re the rock,” Wickwire said of the Wilsons. “Having two quality singles players is a luxury. . . .

“I have to give Linsey her props. She’s just a sophomore, but she’s playing good tennis. I think she has the most powerful forehand in our league.”

Linsey and Tianna Wilson will play doubles together in the upcoming Marmonte League Championships and throughout the postseason.

They enjoyed a top-16 finish and a trip to Seal Beach for the CIF-Southern Section Division I doubles finals last season.

The older sister won a league doubles title the last two seasons, including her sophomore campaign with Jessica Phan.

Tianna Wilson credited Simi Valley’s strong doubles athletes for giving the Pioneers a boost.

“Doubles has picked it up this year,” she said. “They’ve put in so many hours. We can definitely count on all three doubles teams.”

Even though she doesn’t dominate in ping pong like she does on the tennis court, Linsey Wilson still thinks tennis is more difficult.

“You’re sweating out here,” the sophomore said, “instead of standing in place.”

The Wilsons’ steadiness at singles has enabled Wickwire to develop three lethal doubles tandems, starting with Popp and Crilley.

Popp, a sophomore, and Crilley, a junior, have formed a close bond their first year playing together. Crilley plays at the net while Popp patrols the back.

“We know our roles, and we execute well,” Crilley said. “I think we complement each other, and personality-wise we really get along.”

Popp said of her first year on varsity: “It’s been a good experience. The competition is making me get better, and I’m learning from everyone else.”

Senior Ashley Hayes and junior Angela Apinyavat are another formidable doubles team. Hayes and Tianna Wilson are the team’s only seniors.

“I love this team,” Apinyavat said. “We’re close and it’s been fun. On road trips, we take vans, talk and listen to music.”

“Then we get off the bus and play seriously,” Hayes said.

Hayes said the Pioneers’ unconventional brand of tennis flusters opponents.

“Teams are used to ground strokes,” she said, “but we lob it back and force them to change their strokes.”

Anderson and Gersh, both juniors, have been playing doubles together for three years.

Not only are they close on the court, but they find themselves in the same classroom quite often.

They had five classes together each of their first two years, and are in four classes together this school year.

“We’re inseparable,” Gersh said with a laugh.

They might also be the strongest No. 3 doubles duo in the league.

The chemistry they have in their own tandem and on the team has fostered a positive atmosphere.

“We don’t feel pressure to win,” Gersh said.

“We push ourselves to win,” Anderson added. “We don’t get mad when we miss or make mistakes. Everyone has bad days, so it’s up to your partner to get you through it.”

Ankita Devareddy, only 13, has been an unheralded standout for Simi Valley.

The freshman has enjoyed a “huge turnaround,” Wickwire said.

She lost all three singles matches to Agoura in the first round of league action (2-6, 2-6 and 1-6).

When Devareddy faced the Chargers again on Oct. 15, she won all three matches (6-0, 6-2 and 6-1).

“I wasn’t used to other teams’ competitiveness,” the precocious freshman said.

“It’s great to be able to contribute. I’ve only been playing for two to 2½ years. I wasn’t even sure I’d make the team. But Wick gave me a chance, and I’ve gotten a lot better.”

Kids used to say they “wanna be like Mike,” as in they want to be like Michael Jordan. Devareddy said she hopes to one day play like the Wilsons.

“I want to compete at that level,” she said. “They’re so good.”

Wickwire is also pleased with his top substitute, hard-hitting freshman Cierra Smalling.

Although Simi Valley could win a league title by winning its next four matches, including a home showdown against Thousand Oaks at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Wickwire is more concerned about qualifying for the playoffs.

He doesn’t have to worry about how his Pioneers will play.

“Singles and doubles are coming through,” Wickwire said. “Our goal is not to win league title. I want them to play their best possible tennis and try to have fun.”