Clockwise from top left, Leah Scharf hits a forehand for Fox Lane in first doubles match against John Jay. Emma Hepworth volleys for the Wolves. Fox Lane’s Danielle Ades returns serve. Sophie Inana of John Jay drills a return. JIM MACLEAN PHOTOS
By JIM MACLEAN
It was perfect weather for a tennis match and the John Jay girls varsity team made the most of it with a perfect win over rival Fox Lane to celebrate homecoming on Saturday.
John Jay opened strong and closed out the 6-0 win over Fox Lane Sept. 21 to cap off a good week for the Wolves
“A homecoming win is really nice. Last year it got rained out, so to have such a good win on a beautiful day for homecoming this year, I’m just really happy for them,” said John Jay coach Julie McCaffrey. “It’s a really nice group of girls, a fun weekend and a fun season.”
Penelope Hill started it off at first singles for John Jay with a victory over Charisse Chung. At second singles it was Lauren Metro with the victory for the Wolves over Elle Nagelberg, and at third singles it was Emma Hepworth of John Jay over Fox Lane’s Danielle Ades.
In the doubles matches there were a lot of competitive points and games before John Jay prevailed with three victories in straight sets. John Jay’s Farah Ganesan and Sophie Inana teamed up to win at first doubles over Sophie Abt and Leah Scharf of Fox Lane. In second doubles it was Blinera Tetaj and Lucy Millhon of John Jay with the victory over Anushka Arvind and Saba Shahidi. At third doubles it was Kierstin McCarty and Lana Rotko with the victory for the Wolves over Brenna Ferman and Kristina Borelli.
Despite the loss, Fox Lane coach Mike Olivier felt the Foxes played well and they continue to improve.
“I’m happy with how we played,” Olivier said of Fox Lane. “We have a young team, they played well and we’re getting better as the season goes along. We have a tough schedule and we’re improving with each match.”
The win over Fox Lane was another bright spot in the season for John Jay as the Wolves are coming together as a team. After a successful season last year, John Jay was moved up to the most competitive league this year and despite losses to top teams like Scarsdale and Rye, the Wolves have held their own and compiled some impressive victories. John Jay also scored a 5-2 win over Arlington, a 7-0 win over Eastchester and a 5-2 win over Harrison.
“The entire team has stepped up and they’ve worked really hard this year,” McCaffrey said of her Wolves. “We got moved up to the elite league, but the girls have been playing competitively in the league and they’re learning and growing from playing such competitive matches. It makes everybody better in the end. Overall, it’s great for them and their development.”
John Jay lost their top two singles players to graduation, but McCaffrey likes the way the team has come together.
“Penelope Hill at first singles has played really great matches for us,” McCaffrey said. “Our doubles have really stepped up this year, a lot of success in long close matches playing super tie breakers.”
John Jay faced a tough week ahead trying to continue its winning ways as the Wolves were set to host Scarsdale Wednesday, Sept. 25, and travel to Mamaroneck on Friday. Fox Lane was set to host Byram Hills on Tuesday, before traveling to Pelham on Wednesday and Ursuline on Thursday, Sept. 26.