The girls varsity tennis team kicked off its season with a 5-1 win against Cold Spring Harbor on March 12.  Considering their victories and titles in the past, the girls are grateful to be back on the courts.  In the 2019 season, the squad finished with a record of 18-0 and won the Long Island Championships.  Heading into its first season since then, some of the team’s  top contributors to this achievement are eager to demonstrate their talent once again. 

 Sophomore Thea Rabman, a member of the varsity team since she was in seventh grade, has both personal and group aspirations to fulfill over this shortened season.  

“I think as a team, we would love to win playoffs and be undefeated.  I would also love to win States one year.  It’s always been a big goal of mine,” said Rabman.  

Unfortunately, due to an injury, Rabman is unable to participate as of right now.  However, she is hoping to be back on the court later this season for Counties and playoffs. 

Many elite players have high hopes, as well as confidence in their team this year.  

“My personal goals are to play my best and further develop my skills.  For the team, I want for all of us to play as hard as we can and hopefully win the Long Island Championship to get another plaque on the courts,” said junior Martine McGowan.   

This week, the girls are away against Hewlett and Manhasset.  Despite winning their first match, they are prepared for Hewlett to put up a good fight. 

The matches are live-streamed and can be watched on the Port Athletics YouTube Channel. 

All the athletes have their individual outlook on how this year’s season will happen, but it seems as if they are staying positive and keeping their heads up.  Sophomore Dasha Perfiliev, another top player on the team, does not doubt that the team will come out strong in the end.  

“This season is definitely going to be different from past years because of Coronavirus, but I’m still looking forward to having a dominating season,” said Perfiliev. 

Similar to other programs, the team is taking COVID-19 precautions to ensure safe and efficient practices and matches.  Tennis is in the “low-risk sport” category, since the players are able to be outdoors at all times and socially distanced from their opponents and one another. 

Still, team members are wearing facial coverings for all games and practices, each player has her own can of tennis balls, and everyone is staying six feet apart when possible.  While this virus is a bump in the road for every sports team, the players are remaining optimistic.