By Bridget Andree, Staff Writer

The varsity tennis team, coached by Dana Lenneper and Christopher Arecchi, has shown tremendous improvement this season, with a winning record of 5-4 in the conference and 8-5 overall. Additionally, each player has managed to complete in and win at least one match.

“I think the season has gone great so far. The girls have really made a name for themselves and have made both Coach Arecchi and me so proud,” said Lenneper.

Freshmen Hailey S. prepares to return a serve.
Photo courtesy of Melissa Whelan

Based on their accomplishments during the regular season, the Monarchs qualified for the state tournament. In the first round of state playoffs against Rutgers Prep, the Monarchs fought their way to a 4-1 victory, advancing to play No. 1 ranked Moorestown Friends. Although the Monarchs came up short with a 4-1 loss against Moorestown, freshman Sydney Riepel continued her undefeated winning streak with a 6-4, 6-4 win. Now, Riepel has one of the most successful records in the NJ Non-Public division at 11-2.

Sophomore Madison Huber holds a .500 record in singles while senior Lizzy Castellano and sophomore Kathryn Ortenzio have earned a .500 record in doubles play. The Monarchs also had a solid showing at the NJ individual state tournament on Oct. 17 with Riepel advancing to the second round in third singles.

“We are a very young team that was completely off everyone’s radar,” Lenneper said about the team’s ability to play at a high level. As the Monarchs prepare to finish out the rest of the season with some divisional matches and the Monmouth County Tournament, they look to further prove that they are force to be reckoned with.