GIRLS TENNIS ALL LEVELS 

• Tryouts Thursday 8/26 and Friday 8/27 from 3pm to 7pm at the Bethpage Park Tennis Center

The girl's AA varsity tennis team is coming off its 2nd league Championship and first State Championship title where they finished the season undefeated at 9-0. They have high expectations for this short season; Head Coach Carole Quinn expects to defend their league championship and state titles. The players will not be taking anything for granted this season, playing their best every time they step onto the court.

There are 10 returning seniors leading this undefeated team; Marley Anna, Rachel Fruchter, Siena Hanko, Anabella Licata, Sofia Licata, Julia Maiorino, Sophia Maiorino, Brianne McNulty, Kellie Rall, and Lauren Schumacher. “We have 3 incredibly strong singles players this year. I expect all 3 will have winning records. That adds to our extremely deep doubles teams, and should deliver the school another league championship” said Coach Quinn.

The singles players have big shoes to fill following the success of last year’s singles players like returning senior Anabella Licata who finished the season 9-0 in match play and 3 sets of double partners who went undefeated.   

Senior Sofia Licata also commented with her own expectations for the team, “This season I believe we have a very talented and strong team in singles and doubles. As defending State and League Champions, I believe we can do it again with all the hard work we are putting in every practice and game.” Senior Sophia Mairorino adds that last year “felt like a family.” 

Family is important during this time, Coronavirus has had an impact on the game and team, Licata says, “that the team’s morale is very high because everyone realizes how lucky they are to be playing.” Gratefulness is a common theme throughout the team. They make sure to comply with the COVID rules, by wearing their masks and socially distancing. Maiorino says, “The team is mindful of being safe when we are off the courts, any misstep could result in the end of the season.” Tennis is a good sport during this time to be involved in since masks are not required to be worn during the match. 

Unfortunately spectators are not allowed at the matches, and that has created a slightly different environment but has fueled the team to win. “We will make the most of it and knowing what we have been through, will enjoy every minute we have on the court!” Licata said. There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding this fall season. 

Everyone has someone or something that keeps them motivated, for s. Licata that motivation comes from a quote, “Appreciate what you have, while you have it, or you’ll learn what it meant to you after you lose it.” By Frank  Sonnenberg. Plus having her twin sister Anabella has made her four years as a Friar even more special. Senior twins Sophia and Julia Mairorino can completely relate. Helen Keller said, “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” 

The Friars play one of the CHSAA top teams St. Francis Prep on Oct. 19th at SFP and will be back at Terry Ferrell on Oct 21st to face Kellenberg.  Saint Anthony’s fans, look forward to seeing this AA varsity tennis team to have a great season.

Araceli Ponce is a sophomore at Saint Anthony’s High School, writing for her second year at Friar Scoreboard. She is also a member of Saint Anthony’s softball and track team. In the future, she plans to have a career in the field of sports or architecture

 Nicolina Giannola and Julia Mairorino, St. Anthony's girls tennis players, reflected on their 7-0 win over St. John the Baptist on Thursday and how excited they are to be back competing. Credit: Newsday / Julia Elbaba

By Julia Elbaba Newsday

Despite the 20-mph wind gusting across the Terry Farrell Park tennis courts, the St. Anthony’s girls were locked in for their CHSAA season opener against St. John the Baptist.

Leading the Friars was sophomore Nicolina Giannola at first singles and senior Julia Mairorino at second singles in their 7-0 win over the Cougars at the Huntington Station facility on Thursday.

One of the keys to Giannola’s 6-1, 6-1 victory was her willingness to make adjustments to the adverse conditions.

"It was hard, I had to hit more topspin," Giannola said. "On one side of the court, I had to hit shorter because the ball would fly but on the other side, I had to hit it harder."

Coach Carole Quinn told her players to keep moving their feet throughout the match, which resonated with Mairorino in her 6-1, 6-1 win.

"I couldn’t just lob the ball into the court, the wind would take it," Mairorino said. "I decided to move my feet so much more because it was harder to get there."

The Friars won the program’s first state championship in 2019, but this season, the team’s talent reaches a new level.

"We are thrilled and confident about what our singles lineup will contribute to the team, especially with Julia and Nic," assistant coach Janine DeBellis added.

For most competitive teams, having two similarly talented singles players at the top could cause friction, but for Giannola and Mairorino, they see it as a positive.

"Having Nic is such great competition, something I’ve never had at this school before now," Mairorino said. "It will definitely elevate my level out on the court."

Giannola decided before the season that she wanted to transfer from Port Jefferson to ensure she would get a tennis season.

"Tennis is a big part of my life and to not have a season or one postponed until March because of the pandemic wouldn’t be the same, Giannola said. "I’m so happy to be here and play against girls with different game styles."

The bond between the two girls goes beyond the courts and creates motivation that will last throughout the season.

"I love Julia, she’s such a big inspiration to me because she had an injury last year and to see her come back and fight is amazing," Giannola said. "She is like my big sister and such an amazing person."

The Friars return to play on Monday against St. Francis Prep at 4 p.m. at St. John’s University.

Terry Farrell Courts 

AA Team Practice 

Monday 3-5pm 

Tuesday 3-500pm 

Wednesday OFF 

Thursday 3-5:00pm 

Friday OFF all levels 

GIRLS TENNIS  

Contact Carol Quinn - y2carole@gmail.com &  Jannet Scannell - jscannell@stanthonyshs.org

3:00 -5:00pm at Terry Farrell Fields

Monday  All girls/grades that did not play tennis for Saint Anthony's in  2019.

Tuesday  Girls asked to return from Monday and Returning Varsity "B" players.

Wednesday  Varsity "A" and Varsity "AA" returning players and girls asked to return from Tuesday.

Thursday  TBD

Friday OFF