The 2018 Varsity AA tennis season opened with hopes of winning the 2018 League Conference Title. With only three seniors at the helm Head Coach, Carol Quinn, had great confidence in their leadership presence and the team’s dedication with good reason, as they capped off the regular season with a 6-1 record and clinched the number 1 seed going into the playoffs.
Their dedication and commitment to a AA Championship was displayed at the season opener beating St. John the Baptist 6-1 on the road and five days later beating the defending 2017 Division and League Champs, St. Francis Prep, 5-2 on the road. Coach Quinn “knew this season was going to be something special, these girls where showing their strength and commitment to want to win.”
The Friars have beaten powerhouse St. Francis twice during the regular season en route to a playoff berth. Beating every team at least once in their league they are the leagues premiere power so far. Throughout the season the Friars have been outstanding in both singles and doubles play. All season long senior Morena Devito, and junior Lauren Hamer, have led the Friars in singles play. In doubles play, the Friars have been fantastic as well. Seniors Bridget Smyth, and Julia Burnbaum, have dominated during their matches this season. “But we each have one loss in match and doubles play, so it will all come down to the finals,” said Smyth as they face off against Sacred Heart for the league title.
For Senior captains Bridget Smyth, Julia Burnbaum and Morena DeVito, the team and individual win over SFP “Honestly, was our biggest surprise this year, beating St. Francis Prep, it has not been done in almost 20 years and I’m very proud to say that my team is the team who finally fulfilled that goal,” said the captains. They continued to cover the courts with wins over Our Lady of Mercy (3-0), Sacred Heart (4-3) and a second win over SFP (4-2).
Sr. single player DeVito is looking toward playoffs with anxious excitement. She hopes to end her SA tennis carrier on top and defend her 2017 singles title. Doubles partners Smyth and Burnbaum have played together all season and are anxious to capture their first doubles title as seniors. The three will miss this team experience and have found great support this year with these words that they have all shared, “Guys, we got this. Easy money. Every single person on this team is capable of winning their court. Stay calm cool and collected on the court, don’t let your opponent see you down, finish every point with a smile. Doubles teams support each other and don’t let your partner fall into a funk.”
With three strong seniors the team offers plenty of depth; 5 Juniors and 4 sophomores all playing at the top of their game this season. The Friars unique combination of youth and experience “plus our practice rigor and overall commitment to winning has increased substantially over these 4 short years, has given us great confidence about any match we go into,” said the captains.
SA earned a bye in the first round of playoffs being the AA Division Champs and will face one if it’s toughest competitors, Sacred Heart Academy, in semi final round on Oct. 16, at St. Anthony’s home court Huntington Country Club at 3:30pm.
Come out and support your friends and Friars!
About The Author:
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Jared Valluzzi Jared Valluzzi is a Sophomore at St. Anthony’s; this is his second year writing for Friar News. He has earned his certificate from Hofstra’s program of Sports broadcasting and Journalism. Jared also plays hockey and lacrosse for St. Anthony’s. |
