BY ISABELLE MARMARA
The girl’s tennis team struck an end to their season after 17 matches and months of memories. The players fondly remembered Senior Night, where they won an exciting victory over Monroe, as one of the greatest highlights of the year.
On Thursday, October 12, the girls celebrated Senior Night, where players and guests honored the seven exceptional seniors. “I will miss the seniors leaving the team,” said Tyla Lovetere. “They were great players to watch and were outstanding role models.”
Underclassman from both the JV and Varsity teams helped make senior night special for the seniors. “It was really fun to see the reactions of our seniors and setting up the decorations,” stated Mahek Shah, one of the underclassmen who set up the courts to surprise the seniors.
Old Bridge struggled to beat Monroe for years, making the victory unforgettable, “The highlight of the season was definitely beating Monroe during Senior Night, and beating them for the first time in 3 year,” stated senior Anusha Perinkolam. Perinkolam had an excellent season with a personal record of 14-3 playing 1st Singles. Her successful match beating her Monroe opponent in the 1st Singles helped lead the team to victory.
Playing on their home courts at the Municipal Complex, the Knights beat Monroe 3-2. “We were tied wins to losses, and it was up to our first doubles team,” explained junior Gabriela Kotowicz. “They pulled through in a third-set tiebreaker.”
The first doubles team consisted of sophomore Esha Mehta and senior Alexis Mazzella. Their successful match clinched the win against Monroe. “When we won, I’ll never forget everyone hugging each other for the win everyone was waiting for,” said Mehta.
The entirety of the girls tennis program got to celebrate the victory. “It was a great way to say farewell to the seniors by playing on home court for the tennis team,” noted Tyla Lovetere.
Players voiced how the team will miss their teammates and the connections they built. “I’m going to miss the bond I had with my doubles teammate and how much fun I had playing with her,” said Neo Mohapeloa.
With their season now over, the players loo back at the experience fondly. “I’m definitely going to miss hanging out with the team and playing tennis for a team that I’ve known for so long and get along well with,” expressed Perinkolam.
Posted 11/16/23
Photos by Katelyn Buchalter, Isabelle Marmara, and Avery Person
Knight Life 