Winning combo

Cranbury’s Applequist has teamed with Bhatt for second doubles success

By: Justin Feil
   Garima Bhatt and Cranbury’s Crystal Applequist figured that their jobs as Princeton High girl’s tennis co-captains could be a little difficult this year.
   After a highly competitive preseason and a 2-0 start, however, it seems that their biggest concerns are if all the equipment can fit in Applequist’s car and how everyone will make it to Community Park that will serve as their home courts this season. There is no question about the talent that needs little motivation from the two seniors.
   "In the preseason, all the new girls — mostly freshmen and sophomores — I’ve never seen such a talented group of girls," Applequist said. "I was surprised. I think we’re very strong, even our JV (is). Everyone knows how to play.
   "Everybody from the team last year was a little scared. We didn’t know how we’d be. Everybody who is on varsity deserves to be there. We’re all pretty happy with our positions."
   It couldn’t have worked out much better for Applequist, who filled in as a doubles player with Cranbury’s Whitney Paterson last year, and Bhatt, who played third singles last year. This year, the two are paired at second doubles, where their connection is more than just on-court.
   "We really enjoy it," Bhatt said. "I like playing doubles this year. I didn’t know if singles was something I wanted to do. It’s nice having someone to have your back. I know she’ll be there. And we’re good friends off the court.
   "Crystal is one of the only people who can bring me up when I’m down. She’s a great player too. She’s a monster at the net."
   The combo has helped PHS to a 3-1 start by going 3-1 themselves. They’ve shown little difficulty in adjusting to the one nuance of the pairing.
   "It was a little tricky," Applequist said. "She’s a lefty. I’m a righty. I had to get used to it. We played a few matches switching it up, but we’re pretty happy where we are."
   "It’s kind of the usual for me," said Bhatt, who played doubles as a sophomore. "It’s different because I’ve been playing with someone a little older than me. We’re the same, and we view each other as equals. We both have our forehand in the middle so we can cover a lot that way. And we both have strong backhands on the side too. It’s just nice, I think."
   Except for opponents. They’re facing two of the most experienced players in the Little Tigers lineup, two that have embraced their position at this juncture.
   "At the beginning of the season, I was kind of scared," Bhatt said. "I was used to playing singles from last year. I was surprisingly excited to be at doubles. I like having someone else on the court with me. I’m a lot more confident. And it’s over a lot quicker. Last year, my matches would go on forever. It’s nice to be off the court quickly. The points end really fast."
   They end even faster when you’re part of a solid team. The two are excited about the opportunity to finish their scholastic careers together.
   "I love playing doubles," said Applequist, whose brother played for the PHS boys’ team in 2000. "I kind of need someone to cheer me up and get me up for it. Garima and I are friends so that helps."
   "It’s great because we have a lot of chemistry off the court," Bhatt said. "When you know them, you know they’re going to take it as seriously as you. And if it was someone I didn’t know as well, I’d kind of be intimidated to tell them what to do. I feel more comfortable with her. I can play my own game. I think it works really well."
   It’s worked out well for the Little Tigers as well. Frances Wong is unbeaten at first singles and varsity newcomers Emily Frantzen, who is a senior, and freshman Alexandra Willig have also started out perfectly. At first doubles, the junior tandem of Julie Szymaniak and Anna Pang were also unbeaten as the Little Tigers went into Monday’s scheduled match with a tough Notre Dame team.
   "We’re happy with the way the season started," said PHS coach Sarah Heyman. "I’ve been happy with the way all five flights have played.
   "All the girls are very capable even though they’re new to varsity," she added. "They have backgrounds in tennis. They’re able to step in."
   Heyman hasn’t had to worry much about her second doubles team. With Bhatt, who broke into the Little Tigers lineup as a doubles player and Applequist, who’s only known doubles play in high school, she has two veterans together.
   "I think they play well together," Heyman said. "There’s always work to be done with doubles teams to make sure they fit well together. They enjoy playing together.
   "They seem to have pretty complimentary styles. And they can motivate each other. I hope it will (help). It should."
   With the playing taken care of, all that’s left is the captain duties, and they’re also something that the two can handle together, particularly now that Bhatt recently got a car.
   "We definitely have to motivate the girls," Applequist said, "but it’s not that bad. Everyone’s really excited about playing.
   "We have to announce the lineup, and we make sure the girls know when the matches are. We have to make sure we have all the equipment, and we set up the psyches for the matches."
   It’s not hard for any of the Little Tigers to get fired up about the rest of the season, especially not after a promising start.
   "At the beginning of the year, I was kind of scared because we lost so many people," Bhatt said. "So many seniors graduated. It was a totally new team. But even the first day of preseason, everyone looked good. A lot of girls practiced over the summer. This year, everyone came out in tip-top shape. I’m not worried at all about the season now."
   All she has to worry about now is playing with her new partner, and together with long-time friend Crystal Applequist, Garima Bhatt is helping solidify a rebuilt Little Tigers lineup.