Nina Tchirkova, if nothing else, is consistent. And that trait may have to do with the lack of a change in scenery.

As a freshman, she earned a spot on the Winchester High girls’ tennis team. Armed with five years of experience training at home, and playing in the North Shore Tennis League, the freshman worked her way through a handful of early-season challenge matches to secure the third singles slot.

As a senior captain, she is still entrenched at No. 3. Save for few matches at No. 2 last season due to injuries, Tchirkova has been a model on consistency.

“One time after a match, a coach who knew Nina had been around for a few years approached me and said with a laugh, ‘she must hold some sort of record for third singles victories,’’’ recalled Winchester coach Paul Sughrue with a chuckle of his own.

“He might be right. I can count the amount of losses she’s had on one hand.’’

Tchirkova may not be facing the opposing team’s best player every time she takes the court, but make no mistake, her play is essential to the Sachems’ success.

A victory or defeat from her position carries as much weight as those for teammates Julia Thompson or Katharine Doughetry at No. 1 or 2, respectively.

And a win at third singles is no easy task. In contrast to the technique-heavy, high-paced action at No. 1, or the importance of teamwork in doubles, her matchups require a focus on patience, consistency, held together with a strong sense of confidence.

“Two years ago, we had a team meet against Lexington that was tied up at 2-2 and came down to her match,’’ Sughue said.

“She was down 5-0 in the final set, but she came back to win 7-6 and clinch the team victory – I’ll never forget that. Matches like that show how she’s just relentless.’’

Her unyielding effort is in no way hampered by her lack of progression in the lineup. At MIAA tournament matches, coaches are required to fill out lineup justification forms, listing each player in the lineup, and the result of his/her most recent challenge match against a teammate above or below them in the lineup. Forms are not required for regular season matches, but the regulations remain.

Players have come and gone for Winchester, but Tchirkova has remained at third singles.

“I’ve been able to consistently win for the team,’’ Chirkova said.

“I like my spot because of the success I have and the fact that the team knows they can count on me. It’s a good feeling.’’

At Andover High, junior Arman Rafiee is in his first season at No. 3 after two years of varsity experience at second doubles. He has learned to adapt to a more reliable and enduring approach.

“The chance to take risks is there, but a lot of opponents will try to play the long game,’’ Rafiee said.

“Sometimes in third singles, you’ll play against pushers, people that don’t try to hit the ball hard. They just kind of toss it up and play long points, hoping it eventually tires out the opponent. You have to adapt to it and wait for a winner or for the opponent to make the fatal mistake.’’

Junior Andrew Imrie is at No. 1 after advancing to last year’s North individual final. Senior Drew Rooks, a returning Merrimack Valley Conference all-star, is at second.

“At No. 1 singles, you’re competing with the town’s best and that lends itself to a very quick tempo because kids are able to just pound it back and forth,’’ said Imrie. “The talent is still there at No. 3 singles, just at a bit of a slower pace with longer points.’’

Added Rooks, “Arman’s not playing anyone that has better volleys so far, and that’s what allows him to win those long points.’’ Rooks added.

“I’d be surprised to see someone that challenges him in that respect come along. He’s always kind of been a doubles player, but he’s adjusting quickly.’’

The Lynn Classical girls have six seniors on the roster this spring. Junior Lizzie Troisi, at third singles, is the only addition to the lineup.

“It can be a little nerve wracking being the only new one . . . But it’s also very exciting. You’re out there by yourself, so you control your destiny to the fullest extent, and you learn a lot about your game.’’

Troisi has learned, as have the majority of successful players at third singles, that her technique and footwork may not yet be at the level of a No. 1, requiring a heavier emphasis on effort and mental clarity.

Grind it out, limit mistakes, and earn the crucial point for your team.

She was 8-2 in her first 10 maches.

“Singles can be an individualizing sport, but success can really be elevated when you’ve got your teammates rallying around you in practice and at matches,’’ Troisi said.

In four years, Tchirkova has nearly perfected her craft at No. 3, coupling a relaxed steadiness with what Sughrue refers to as a “strong pluckiness.’’ But, even in the midst of such tactical competition, she has the vision to understand the simplicity of it all. “In reality, tennis is tennis,’’ added Tchirkova.

“You’re playing the same type of match just like your teammates, even if it involves some changes in style. My job is to go out and win.’’

Ethan Schroeder can be reached at ethan.schroeder@globe.com.