By Kathryn Kwapniewski, Staff Writer

This year brought new challenges that tested the tennis team’s perseverance, most notably advancing to varsity-level play.

Since eight out of the 11 team members were freshmen, inexperience was a major factor when competing against varsity teams.  “It’s tough for a very young team to play against girls who have been competing at a high school level for years now,” head coach Dana Lenneper said.

The girls varsity tennis team enjoyed its first varsity win against Brick Memorial High School on Oct. 14. Photo courtesy of Trinity Hall tennis team

Despite this major handicap, the team managed to win one match this season, defeating Brick Memorial High School on Oct. 14. “Even though we only won one match and knew we were up against more experienced players all year, we never gave up and kept trying our best,” junior Elizabeth Castellano said.  

Castellano (2nd singles) was joined by freshmen Madison Huber (1st singles) and Kathryn Ortenzio (3rd singles) to represent Trinity Hall at the NJSIAA Non-Public B State Tournament at Wardlaw-Hartridge School on Oct. 18. All three players won at least one game in their best-of-eight sets, with Huber narrowly losing at 1st singles in a hard-fought 6-8 set.

“I knew the girls we were up against [at States] would be strong and powerful since I went to the tournament last year, so I felt I was more prepared,” Castellano said. “I was still nervous, but I was happy with how we performed.”

Overall, Lenneper has been pleased with her team’s dedication and perseverance throughout the season. “Every single day the girls came to practice with a great attitude,” Lenneper said. “Our spirit and determination is what makes us Trinity Hall Tennis.”