The Huntington junior varsity girls’ tennis team outperformed expectations considering the squad was shorthanded this fall. The Blue Devils had to forfeit matches during every meet, but the exceptional play of six teenagers still produced four wins and a tie; a major accomplishment.
Coached by Huntington physical teacher Eric Mininni, the roster consisted of freshmen McKenna Buffa and Daniela Luca, sophomores Emily Geller and Carleigh Tracy and juniors Keily Moreira and Brenda Acevedo.
Buffa excelled in No. 1 singles, compiling a 4-1 record. “McKenna performed at a high level,” Mininni said. “I see her being a key contributor for the varsity next season.”
Geller and Tracy were sensational in No. 1 doubles, recording a 5-1 mark. “They were awesome together; they worked well together,” Mininni said. “The only lost one doubles match all year.”
Luca shined in No. 4 singles. “Daniela was the most consistent player on the team,” Mininni said. “She worked hard all year and really has improved.”
Although the players were few in number, Mininni was very pleased with the athletes he worked with. “McKenna is a very talented young lady with a real grasp of the game of tennis. I really love that she really goes for the put away shots,” he said. “Emily and Carleigh’s friendship helps them to be a great team on the court. They really feed off of each other. I am so proud of them. They were the driving force on our team. Daniela was the hardest working player on the team. She did really well as a freshman.”
Mininni said the season highlight came in the last match on the schedule against Half Hollow Hills West. “We were able to pull it all together and win six of seven matches,” he said. “The girls’ hard work and effort paid off with this final game victory. I am very proud of all they have accomplished. They are a great bunch of girls who worked incredibly hard this year. They came together as a team.”