The girls tennis team is half way through their season as the varsity has a 5-1 record and junior varsity holds a 2-2 record. Varsity had the chance to go up against Pingry in the SCIAA tournament, where we advanced to the quarterfinals. Sadly, no one made it past it. On September 20th, junior varsity went up against Mount St. Mary’s, finishing strong 5-0. This year, the girls team coaching staff changes slightly. Coach St. Ours, new varsity coach, had set the tone for a successful season. The junior varsity team also has a new coach, Coach Mahlik. This will be his first year coaching women’s high school tennis, but he is driven to make it fun while learning along the way. He states that, “It has been a lot of fun working with everyone and learning more about tennis. It is also great to be back at Bernards, competing to win championships again.”
This year, returning for their fourth year, Sarah Iossa, is leading the varsity as their captain. The rest of the team is split equally amongst grades but no one cares since everyone is so close to each other. “The challenge matches can sometimes get a little intense, but at the end of the day, everyone is there to improve and cheer each other on,” says Sarah Iossa. Especially after the Covid set back, everyone is just excited to have a normal season. This year, there does not have to be mandatory masks on the buses. Another change was made during the team’s introductions. Players can now shake each other’s hands instead of waving their rackets from afar.
The next two matches for varsity will be home. On September 27th, the girls go up against Immaculata High School at 4:00pm. The next day after, the girls stay back at home to play Bridgewater-Raritan High School. Back to back matches are going to be very exciting. Junior varsity will be away for their match against BRHS, but home on October 4th for Voorhees. Come and show some school spirit!
Coming off of such amazing wins for both teams should set a confident mood for the following matches. The future NJSIAA tournament for the girls is looking successful during this point in the season. The new coaching staff has definitely created a team environment that sets a new successful chapter to the Bernards Girls Tennis Team. “I love the coaches. They are a great way to end my last tennis season as a senior. I am confident in saying that the team is going to be in great shape” states Sarah Gutjahr, a member of the team for four years.
