Ross School’s girls varsity tennis team won its first-ever Section XI championship on Oct. 15, defeating Bayport-Blue Point to put the finishing touch on a perfect 17-0 season.
“The team’s success reflects the talent, hard work, and commitment each player brought to the court, along with the support they provided to one another throughout the season,” said Neill Pillai, the head coach, in a press release. “They challenged themselves, worked together, and continued to grow as players and individuals throughout the season. What they’ve done is tremendous and I’m so proud of what they have achieved as a team.”
Paula Velazquez Osornio, a junior who plays first singles, sealed the deal for Ross. With the teams tied at 3-3, she won in three sets, 7-6 (4), 3-6, 6-3, securing the title.
“We knew that this match was going to be a battle. Bayport-Blue Point are the defending champions. They are a well-coached team with great depth,” said Richele LeSaldo, director of the Ross School Tennis Center. “I’m so proud of how our Ross team competed and supported one another through a tough match. They showed a lot of courage and believed in themselves and one another when it mattered most. And as we know, fortune favors the
brave. This is a historic moment for Ross, our first Section XI girls tennis championship, and they should be proud of what they’ve accomplished.’ ”
With the win, Ross advanced to the Long Island championship, the subregional round of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association team state championships. The girls face Cold Spring Harbor today at 2 p.m. at Shoreham Wading River.
East Hampton Girls Tennis
Meanwhile, East Hampton’s girls varsity tennis team earned berths in both the individual and team playoffs this season.
In team play, the Bonackers won their first postseason match against Bay Shore, 5-2, at home on Oct. 8 before losing to Commack last Thursday.
Individually, Ella Menu, East Hampton’s first singles player, placed third at the conference championship.
