The Wildcats had a tremendous season, posting an 8-2 record.
By Melanie Cane
The Wildcats had a tremendous season, posting an 8-2 record. The team was striving to end the season on an even higher note, 10-2, but the last two matches were rained out.
Coach Jenny Smith said it was a total team effort all season long. Jasmine Kitahara, the No. 1 singles player, faced stiff competition and finished with a 5-5 record, a marked improvement from last season. Eighth grader Ashley Manning, at second singles, was 8-2. Smith said she is looking forward to coaching this rising young player over the next four years. Freshman Sarah Walker, whom the coach described as “poised and strong-willed,” was 7-3 at third singles.
The top doubles team of Maria McEnroe and Emily Moran playing together for the second year in a row, finished with a 6-3 record. Coach Smith said they led the way with their aggressive play.
Daphne Mandell and Samantha Shyer finished 6-4 at second doubles, and the duo of Hannah Weisman and Isabelle Brown exhibited “awesome team play,” winning nine out of ten matches.
Coach Smith summed up the season: “I could not be prouder of each and every player. They worked diligently in every practice, which paid off, especially in their aggressive play at net and the consistent placement of their groundstrokes.” She added, “This team is one of the most cohesive and determined group of athletes that I have had the pleasure to coach.”
