Lilian Nguyen and Marley Podolak took a unique path in preparing for their senior seasons on the Warren Mott girls tennis team.

Last fall they signed up to be student managers on the Marauders’ boys tennis team. That gave them a chance to see different styles and learn ways in which they could improve their skills.

It seems to be working.

Nguyen and Podolak each won in straight sets at first and second singles, respectively, to lead Warren Mott to a 5-3 victory against Warren Woods Tower on Monday in a Macomb Area Conference crossover meet.

“It helped me see other players,” said Nguyen, who defeated Zhanelya Adilkahn 6-0, 6-0. “Females competing against males is so different. I didn’t know it was but males play with more strength, females use more finesse.

“It was good to see how the boys used their strength. It was really good managing the team and the boys were nice, too.”

Nguyen and Podolak are the only seniors on the Mott team this season and they’ve taken on a role as mentors for their younger teammates.

“We just help them get ready for the games, help them prepare for what they’re getting into,” said Podolak, who defeated Isabella Kruk 6-1, 6-0. “It’s really fun helping them out.”

Nguyen and Podolak have made Rebecca Mahalak’s first season as the girls coach much easier.

“All I can ask for as a coach is having those two as leaders and captains,” Mahalak said. “On the court, in the hallways, they’re great examples. They’re a huge impact on our program. They’ll take over at practice and run drills with the other girls. They’re in it for the team. They’re like having two little assistants with me.”

It’s hard to believe that neither Nguyen or Podolak played tennis until their freshman year at Mott.

Mahalak says they’re a testament to hard work and dedication.

“I’m proud of the way both of us have come along,” Nguyen said.

“Imagine them in another four years,” Mahalak said. “I think they have the potential to play in college if they choose.”

Podolak isn’t so sure she wants to play at the next level.

“I want to play for fun — and play pickle ball,” she said with a laugh.

Monday was one of the warmest days of the spring so far, however it came with strong gusty winds.

“Oh my gosh, the wind was something else,” Nguyen said. “I just learned how to hit with the wind — wait for it to get over. That’s the best thing to do. It’s knowing when to stop yourself and wait. But sometimes you just have to deal with it.”

Podolak also tried to make the best of it.

“It’s a little annoying,” she said. “The balls move in the air but it was fun. It was nice out. It’s better than the cold weather, for sure.

“You have to put it out of your mind or try to play with the wind. So if you’re serving against it you have to serve harder. If you’re serving with the wind you have to serve a little lighter.”

Alyssa Sikorski gave the Marauders a singles sweep with a 6-2, 6-1 win against Julia Forrester at No. 3.

Warren Woods Tower won three doubles matches.

“The doubles have been the backbone of our team,” said coach Ashley Fabris. “We lost the majority of our singles players from last year, so it’s been a little rough. I’m hoping the weather breaks so they can get on the courts and practice and not be freezing.”

In the closest match of the meet, the Titans’ first doubles team of Carlin Boyd and Lilith Bell edged Jenny Nguyen and Angelina Luu 6-4, 5-7 and 10-6 in a tiebreaker. Maream Francis and Kimberly Kulick of WWT defeated Irena Abboud and Sosi Sarker 6-0, 6-4 in No. 2 doubles. Kayla Kulick and Zoey Boyd of the Titans won third singles 6-3, 7-6 against Hannah Bauman and Nafisa Miah.

Mott’s Tasreya Islam (fourth singles) and Mong Nguyen and Nhu Quynh Nguyen (fourth doubles) won on forfeit.

“We’re definitely building our team,” Mahalak said. “We have a few juniors and a few sophomores and we have a full JV team with a bunch of freshmen. It’s a great group of girls. They want to practice every day for two hours.

Warren Mott is 2-1 overall and WWT is 1-3.