After Playoff Journey, Girls Tennis Passes the Racket to the Next Generation

Asha Archer ‘27 volleys at the net against James Madison on Sept 17. *Photo: Continental Studios*

By PRABHLEEN KAUR and TIFFANY TAN

Tiffany Tan contributed to this article.

After 12 intense matches, the Girls Tennis team’s 2024 journey came to an end October 22, with a 3-2 playoff loss to Townsend Harris.

“Overall, the game was well played, as the sets were going back and forth between us,” said sophomore Taylor Chin, second doubles. “We played our hearts out and supported each other no matter the outcome.”

The Hornets faced setbacks in both second and third singles, losing 10-2 and 10-0 respectively. However, second doubles edged out a 10-9 victory, and first singles kept the team’s hope alive with a 10-5 win. Unfortunately, first doubles fell short with a 10-3 loss.

“We lost at a tiebreaker, but I am very proud of the outcome,” said Ms. Jane Chen, the team’s head coach.

“Even though we lost, I would say we did better than we thought we would,” said freshman Isabella Mai, first singles. “Everyone had positive morale and cheered each other on.”

In the regular season, the Hornets took home wins against teams like Fort Hamilton, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Benjamin N. Cardozo, finishing the season 5-5, third in the division. Brooklyn Tech was a tough opponent for the Lady Hornets along the way.

“Brooklyn Tech was our very first game,” said Tatyana Kuneeva ‘26, second doubles. “It put a lot of pressure on us to do well and make sure we put our all into it.”

Asha Archer ‘27, first doubles, said, “I feel like I could have done better, but I’m proud of myself for working hard and being able to battle against them.”

After a loss to James Madison, the Lady Hornets came out ready for war against Franklin D. Roosevelt, emerging victorious 5-0 on September 20.

Sophomore Gabrielle Bell, team captain and first doubles, said, “I feel that our girls handled it very gracefully. We came home with the win that day, although we did have to deal with a bit of an audience.”

The team’s second game against Madison on October 8 stuck out to Archer, even though the meeting ended in a 4-1 loss.

“My partner Gabrielle Bell and I diligently battled for every point,” she said, “and although they were formidable opponents, we were still able to keep the match close.”

With new coach Ms. Chen on the team, new strategies have brought out the hidden talents of the players.

“A huge thank you to Coach Chen, who has been phenomenal this year,” said Kuneeva. “She showed dedication and understanding, gave amazing encouragement, and brought out the best in us.”

“Coach Chen worked extremely hard, and I’m overwhelmingly grateful for all she did for us,” said Archer.

Weiyee Mock ‘25 said, “She has done an amazing job in making all of us feel supported and welcomed. She radiates such positive energy. I also just want to thank all of the players for their hard work and effort as well. I love them all, too.”

The team is a family that never gives up, always being there for each other and supporting each other. The competition also offers the girls a chance to test themselves and push themselves to improve.

Bell said, “I believe that the most rewarding thing about tennis is getting the opportunity to play against people who are better than you. Because for me personally, when I get on the court and I see I'm about to play against someone who I think is better than me, I get excited and hope that they push me in my games.”

Mock said, “I love this sport because it provides me with some stress relief after a long day at school. It gives me a space where I don't have to think about anything besides chasing after a ball or smiling with my friends. I love every aspect of laughing and bonding with my tennis girls over simple and fun things.”

With a strong crop of juniors and underclassmen on the squad, the seniors are passing the torch to a team with a bright future.

“I would like to wish the seniors all the best in their future endeavors as they go off to college,” Archer said. “And to my rest of the team, let’s meet this Saturday for pre-season practice.”

With their rackets held high, the girls look ready to continue building their legacy next season.