Finley Girls’ Tennis Finishes Season at 9-1

The J. Taylor Finley Middle School girls’ tennis team achieved near perfection this fall, compiling a 9-1 mark while showcasing numerous future Blue Devil stars.

Finley was led by singles players Nina Altarac (7-2-1), Kiera Lynch (6-3) and Emma Martin (8-1) and doubles teams Zoe Chiclacos and Abigail Arelt (9-0) and Rose Poli and Natalie Buchner (6-0).

Finley was coached by Woodhull Intermediate School physical education teacher Eric Triolo. The 9-1 mark was the best team record in at least the last decade.

“Nina Altarac is a highly skilled player who is going to continue improving and be a force for the high school team,” Triolo said. “Kiera Lynch is a wonderful player who loves to learn and will be a great addition to the high school team.”

Triolo also complimented third singles player Emma Martin. “She did a great job,” the coach said. “She’s new to the game and will continue to improve as she continues to practice.”

Zoe Chiclacos and Abigail Arenth were impossible to beat in doubles. “They were great together and dominated the competition,” Triolo said. “They are two very good athletes who will be tough to beat in high school.”

Finley claimed victories over Hauppauge (7-0 and 7-0), Stimson (7-0 and 6-1), Northport (7-0 and 5-2), Oldfield (5-2), East Northport (7-0) and Elwood (6-1). Finley’s only loss came against Commack (5-2).

“This is one of the hardest working teams that I have ever coached,” Triolo said. “They improved so much by the end of the season. Plenty of girls will be returning. I can’t wait for next year.”

The Finley roster also included Emma Aversano, Katelyn Brite, Amelia Brown, Abigail Byers, Harper Cohn, Naomi Halder, Charlotte Krause, Celia LoPorto, Katharine Lyons, Amber Murtaza, Juliana Perotti, Ruby Richter, Isabella Rivera, Ella Schaefer, Savannah Turcios and Briana Velis Figueroa.

“I have nine current seventh graders eligible to return next year,” Triolo said. “They all said they will work hard in the off season and will be ready for next year.”