SPORTS

Tennis Team

by Samantha Brannen

On paper, the Ocean Township Girls Varsity Tennis Team did not end with an astounding record. Going 10-8 was a step down from previous years, but we knew recovering from the loss of our No. 1 singles would be difficult. However, this season was noteworthy in many other ways.

On the court, Elle Palmer and Jane Alto were an unstoppable force. For the second year in a row, they competed at No. 1 doubles. This year, the duo had an incredible winning streak, finishing the season with eighteen wins and zero losses. It was amazing to watch them play, and their chemistry was undeniable. Julia Fiorentino and Maya Brosniak, our No. 2 doubles, never gave up without a fight. They battled for points and communicated effectively throughout each match. Laura Fradkin, a returning varsity player, is the epitome of dedication. She practiced tirelessly during the off-season and worked her way up to No. 1 singles after playing No. 2 doubles last season. Every match, Laura showed her teammates what true resilience looked like. Grace Martel served as our captain; her ability to move on the court is unmatched, and she was a huge asset to the team overall.

Some highlights of the season include a win against Delran that led the team to the state quarterfinals. A win against Shore, who is thought of as our rival, was also very exciting. Grace Martel had her own personal upset against a player who hailed from Colts Neck. This particular player had remained undefeated until that point. This year, every member of the team did incredible things, and while we did not win the Shore Conference or finish with a perfect record, it was how we grew as players that was most meaningful.