Blue Devils Win Girls’ Tennis County Awards

The Blue Devil varsity girls’ tennis team enjoyed one of its finest seasons ever, compiling a 12-3 regular season record en route to runner-up finishes in both the league and conference and a fifth place showing in Suffolk.

Coached by Jamie Fishlow and captained by Bridget Callery, Mia Kaufmam and Isabella Palacios, Huntington enjoyed a sensational season in every respect.

“This team was a true ‘team,’” Fishlow said. Cooperative, hardworking, responsible and successful. Having nine seniors to show us the way was a reason for our success. Practices were about improvement of skill and developing strategy.”

The highlight of the fall came in battling to a second place finish in a very competitive Suffolk Division I. “We won five close 4-3 matches and achieved the fifth seed in the county team tournament,” Fishlow said. “Having a roster of 16 girls, where everyone contributed positively throughout the season was another highlight. We had really big wins over Commack and William Floyd who also were seeded high in the county tournament. The skill development of the team was truly dramatic and it helped in our success.”

Amanda Ganley, Mia Kaufman, Isabella Palacios and Valentina Puccio all captured All-County honors. Bridget Callery, Grace Gordon, Kate Gordon, Madeleine Kalenderian and Fiona Lynch were tapped All-League. Naomi Lyons garnered the Sportsmanship Award.

The team was feted at the Suffolk County Girls’ Tennis Coaches Association annual awards dinner at Villa Lombardi in Holbrook.

Palacios and Puccio teamed up in No. 1 doubles and finished with 15-5 records. “A five year, Izzy is a hard worker and very team oriented,” Fishlow said. “She showed great leadership skills throughout her career. Valentina started in each of the past two years after transferring her from Kellenberg,” Fishlow said. “She worked hard to develop her skills, which resulted in a very successful season.”

Kaufman went 13-8 in No. 1 singles. Fishlow praised her as “this season’s top player who possessed the talent to succeed in a very competitive position.”

Ganley was 15-7 in No. 2 singles. “Amanda won her share of matches when it counted,” Fishlow. “I’m looking forward to her return next year.”

Callery, Grace and Kate Gordon, Kalenderian, Lyons, Oliva Kaufman, Grace Olivia, Grace Callery, Mia Einemann and Nina Altarac added to the team’s success.

“We have a strong group of juniors who will lead the team next year,” Fishlow said. “Amanda Ganley will prove to be a strong single player while Kate Gordon, Fiona Lynch, Grace Callery, Gace Kline and Mia Einemann will help us in doubles. The numers on the JV team look strong so I look forward to helping those girls develop their games as well.”