Tennis
After going undefeated in divisional play (7-0) this fall, and with an overall record of 16-2 for the season, the Varsity Tennis team captured the North Jersey Athletic Conference’s (NJAC) Independence Division Championship for the 2021 season. Led on the court by captains Abigail Passarella ’22 and Bianca DePasquale ‘22, and under the leadership of coach Ellen Edson, the Varsity Tennis team defeated the likes of Villa Walsh Academy, Boonton, Parsippany, Whippany Park, Morris Hills, Vernon, St. Dominic (Jersey City), and Madison. The road to the NJAC Independence Division Championship started in September with a 6 match win streak, followed by another 6 match win streak following a hard fought loss, taking the team to 12-1 by early October. From there, the team participated in the NJSIAA State Tournament, where they defeated St. Dominic (Jersey City) in the first round, yet lost in a back-and-forth battle in the second round. The remaining four matches of the season were won by the team to cap off an incredible championship season.
Early in the season, both Bianca DePasquale and Emma Kelly were nominated for the Daily Record/ NJ Herald’s Athlete of the Week Award. Bianca was voted Athlete of the Week at the end of September with Emma coming close to garnering the title in early October. At our Fall Sports Banquet, the Most Valuable Player Award was presented to Bianca DePasquale, the Most Improved Player was awarded to Emma Kelly, and the Sportsmanship Award was awarded to Abigail Passarella and Morgan Kearns.
Going into the second year of fielding a JV Tennis team, the team made great improvements with a highly competitive season, boasting a 9-1-1 record in matchplay. With the guidance of coach Annemarie Gallo, also an AOSE School Counselor, the JV team displayed great skill which gives rise to hopes of more championships in years to come. Throughout the season, Riley Wasdyke ‘24, Sophia Wang ‘25, and Madeleine Soliman ‘25 were called up to play for Varsity as alternatives due to their advanced skills on the court. At the end of the season, an in-house doubles tournament was hosted for the team with Madeleine Soliman and Sophia Wang taking home the trophies. The Most Valuable Player Award was awarded to Madeleine Soliman, the Most Improved Player was awarded to Caroline Clarke, and the Sportsmanship Award was awarded to Alyssa Rossini.