The girls’ tennis team welcomed two new coaches this season. The new varsity head coach is Mrs. Swan, a fourth grade teacher at Bedminster Middle School. Mr. Brothers took the spot of JV coach in replace of Mr. Tinquist.

Swan enters her first year as head coach with a great sense of optimism for the season. “I’m excited for what the season holds and to be able to work with such talented girls!” Her prior experience includes being an assistant coach for Somerville’s tennis team. This year is Coach Brothers’ first year coaching tennis; he has been the head coach of the Boys‘ Lacrosse team for many years.

The lineup for this year remains unchanged from last year with senior Katherine Apt as first court singles. Following her for singles is fellow senior Paige Paladini on second and senior Neeyati Sheth on third court. For doubles, seniors Tegan Warren and Julia Paladini are on the fourth court with sophomores Uma Patel and Sydney Nguyen on the fifth court. The courts vary in terms of levels of play, first court being the best player on the team and moving down in levels as the courts go on.

The first match was a home game against Voorhees. Bernards won five to zero. The second match was away against nearby rival Gill St. Bernard’s. Gill was a very tough competitor, with Bernard’s losing. On Friday, September 12th the team had a home match against Rutgers Prep. This was a very close match, with the final deciding court going to a third set with Bernard’s ultimately winning three to two. After playing two more matches against Franklin and Vorhees, the record is now four to one.

Over the weekend, the girls will take part in the annual Somerset County tournament. The first match starts Friday, September 19 and continues on throughout the weekend until they get out.
“I love counties and look forward to it,” senior captain Paige Paladini said. “Even when I’m not playing it’s fun to support my team and watch matches from other schools.”