Harley Allendale Columbia takes undefeated season to state tennis tournament

Senior Sophia Carling of Harley Allendale Columbia is eagerly anticipating her final trip to the state tournament, expecting it to be her favorite experience yet. The undefeated Wolves traveled to Flushing on Thursday for the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Girls Tennis Team Championship tournament. This marks Carling’s fourth time qualifying for states, as she participated in the NYS singles tourney just last week. After winning the Section V Class B championship, Carling and her HAC Wolves advanced to the state semifinals. Regardless of the outcome, Carling’s decorated varsity career will come to an end on Friday.

“I’m extremely excited. I have so much love for all my teammates,” Carling expressed. “I think it’s going to be an amazing experience to go down to New York City. I have no doubt that everyone will perform exceptionally well, and it will be a truly unforgettable experience.”

Harley Allendale Columbia’s girls tennis team will be competing in the NYSPHSAA Team Championships tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing on Friday. The team consists of Chloe Terio, Elie Swan, Sybille Michel, Erica Liu, and Sophia Carling in the top row, and Izzy Goldstein, Macy Su, Anna Birnbaum, Brynn McHenry, and Jessica Gong in the bottom row.

Here are the details for the NYSPHSAA Division II semifinals:
– When: Friday, with the semifinals at 7:30 a.m. and the finals at 1:30 p.m.
– Where: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing.
– Matchups: No. 3 HAC vs. No. 2 Cold Spring Harbor, and No. 1 Bronxville vs. No. 4 Oneida.

Carling, a senior at The Harley School, emphasizes the importance of the community, parents, and players in the success of the team. Coaches Rajesh Singaravelu and John Dolan admire the support and collaboration among individuals from different schools, which has allowed the formation of a competitive tennis team.

“Everyone contributed and supported one another. This sense of community has brought us to where we are today,” Singaravelu stated.

Winning the Section V team championship has been the ultimate goal for the team. Chloe Terio secured their 3-2 victory over reigning champion Honeoye Falls-Lima for the Class B1 title with a tiebreaker win. The Wolves then triumphed over Wellsville in the Class B crossover and Section VI’s Lewiston-Porter in the Far West Regionals.

Heading into the NYSPHSAA semifinals with a perfect 14-0 record, HAC is well-prepared. Carling holds an impressive 19-2 record at first singles, while Elie Swan and Chloe Terio will play second and third singles, respectively. Kaitlyn Shin and Sybille Michel will be at first doubles, with Erica Liu and Izzy Goldstein at second doubles. HAC has gained valuable experience throughout the season by competing against teams like HF-L, Geneva, Palmyra-Macedon, and Penn Yan.

“This year, the girls have been remarkably receptive to coaching. We have witnessed tremendous growth,” Dolan commented.

Carling recently showcased her exceptional tennis skills at the NYSPHSAA Individual Championships in Schenectady. Although she lost in the first round to the eventual NYS champ, Nina Wiese of Garden City, Carling felt that she played some of her best tennis.

“When facing opponents like these girls, you have to elevate your game, and I felt that I was able to do just that,” Carling shared.

Carling’s determination to qualify for states was evident in her match against Pittsford Mendon’s Omika Patel. Trailing 2-5 in the third set, Carling rallied back and ultimately defeated Patel in a tiebreaker, winning 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7-4). She also expressed pride in her performance during the Section V Class B1 finals, where she clinched her fourth consecutive title. Carling has participated in both the NYS individual and team tournaments on two occasions.

Coaches Singaravelu and Dolan have a combined coaching experience of over 20 years, including their time coaching Carling during her eighth-grade, junior, and senior seasons. They believe that Carling, a former swimmer, still has untapped potential as she continues her tennis career at Kenyon College in Ohio.

“Her growth as a player has been extraordinary, and she is yet to reach her full potential,” Singaravelu said.

In other tournament news, Brighton junior Leyla Tozin secured an impressive third-place finish in the NYSPHSAA singles tournament. Tozin, who was the No. 2 seed, defeated the 2022 state champion Victoria McEnroe (daughter of former pro player Patrick) by retirement. This accomplishment adds to Tozin’s successful junior season, where she finished with a record of 21-1. Tozin previously placed fourth at the 2022 NYS tournament.

Additionally, Pittsford Mendon’s Sophie Khan received an NYSPHSAA Sportsmanship award at the individual tournament. Khan, along with her partner Aiza Ahmed, won their first round doubles match but unfortunately fell short in a challenging second round match.

Source: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Harley Allendale Columbia heads to NY state tennis tournament.

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