Girls Tennis Advances to Second Round of Playoffs
The team warms up before a game against Brooklyn Tech on Oct 13. Photo: Hala Hassan
By HALA HASSAN and MIA BELKIN
The Girls Tennis team was looking for a silver lining in a year that saw terrible weather and the loss of some of their most valuable players. They found it in the first round of the playoffs, smashing New Dorp 5-0 on October 23.
“Our first playoff game against New Dorp was great! Everyone played their hardest and our team spirit was through the roof. Winning 5-0 gave everyone a well-needed confidence boost,” said junior Sienna Veseli, second singles.
But the sun set for the Hornets in the next round, where they fell to Stuyvesant at Hudson River Park the next day.
“Although we lost, it was a really fun game and a great end to the season. We played our hardest and we can't wait to be back here next year!” said first singles player Isabella Veseli ‘25.
In many ways, the season was an uphill battle.
“We’ve been facing numerous days of rain, which has impacted both games and practices,” said Coach Renee Goldfarb. “In addition to that, we have a new team added to our division, which means more games and less time for practice.”
Still, the team has attempted to keep their spirit strong by setting high goals and taking inspiration from last year’s momentum.
The team started the season slow but still made it past New Dorp in the playoffs. Photo: Continental Studios
The team found some hope with an important 4-1 win against Fort Hamilton on October 6, a few weeks before the playoffs started.
While the team was filled with mostly underclassmen who are not as experienced as the previous team, they feel ready to grow this year and next.
“Last year, we had a lot of bonding and energy, so right now we just have to work as a team to support one another,” said sophomore Tatyna Kuneeva.
Even though the team is still adapting to the loss of strong teammates such as Deborah Zeleny, Sawyer Wizemann, and Chloe Tse, they tried to make the best of the situation. The team's support for each other is apparent both on and off of the court.
“We make sure to cheer for each and every teammate because it's important to make sure everyone feels supported and comfortable during their matches,” said junior Danielle Waldman.
After a rocky start that saw the team lose five of their first six matches, the girls ended the year back on their feet.
“Even though it has been hard, I feel like the team is learning to work really well together,” Sienna Veseli said.
Isabella Veseli felt confident that the team was “going to finish the season off with a bang.”
Ms. Goldfarb said, “I hope everyone gets a chance to reach their full potential, not just for themselves, but on a team basis as well.”