Tennis serves wins in Red Division

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Senior Aanya Patel, who won 12 total matches this season, returns the ball by hitting a low forehand.

BY KARIMA ABOUELKHIR AND RILEY CADET 

After moving up to the GMC Red Division this year, the girls tennis team earned a record of 10-8. The team has shown fortitude and resilience this season and has adapted to the Red Division. 

The girls held their own with a record of 4-6 in the more challenging Red Division. “We’ve definitely faced more challenging opponents,” said Esha Mehta. “The preparation for matches has increased much more.”  

The Knights swept Red Division opponents Edison and Monroe. “This season, because we moved up, it is definitely more of a challenge in each match,” said Ratnayake. 

“The teams are a lot harder now, but they motivate us to play better and continue to succeed,” Kamilah Oulahrir said. Despite some losses, the team attained a record of 6-2 against out-of-division opponents. 

Senior Prisha Pattanshetty, who won ten doubles matches this year, approaches the ball to hit a backhand return.

“The most memorable match for me was against Monroe, which was mine and Emma [Shekhter]’s first match of the season,” second double Bianca Ratnayake said. “Overall, the match was really close, and we pushed ourselves to play our best and win.” This motivation led to a second win against Monroe with a score of 4-1. 

After a previous loss, they bounced back against Scotch Plains-Fanwood. “My most memorable match this season was against Scotch Plains-Fanwood,” said Ashmita Penkala. “I defeated my opponent 6-1, 6-0, and aced her five times.” 

Senior Esha Mehta maintains perfect balance with locked concentration to serve the ball.

On the team’s senior night, they secured a 4-1 win against Iselin Kennedy. “The most memorable match was senior night because the team won,” Mehta said. “I received a gift basket from my teammates, who I can’t believe I’m leaving next year.”  

The girls tennis team consists of only three seniors and four sophomores and freshmen. “It feels amazing to be a freshman on varsity. It’s something I’ve wanted to accomplish ever since I was little,” said Penkala.  

At the NJSIAA Girls Tennis Tournament, they reached the quarterfinals but unfortunately did not win. “I prepare for tough matches by having a good warm up and listening to music,” said Oulahrir. 

  • Sophomore Bianca Ratnayake, who won ten doubles matches this season, prepares in an athletic position to return her opponent’s shot.
  • Freshman Ashmita Penkala, who won 12 singles matches this year, tracks the ball to hit a powerful backhand.
  • Sophomore Kamilah Oulahrir approaches the net as she gets in position to hit a backhand.

Posted on 11/11/25 

Photos by Safija Shatku