Oceanside nets conference title

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A mix of experienced singles players and an influx of young talent made for the perfect recipe on the tennis courts for the Oceanside girls.

After struggling the past few years in Nassau Conference 2B, the Lady Sailors went 14-0 to capture the crown in undefeated fashion. “We played pretty well in the first match and I was excited to see how things may go,” coach Jamie Connolly said. “The girls never had a bad day. They just crushed it.”

Senior Kaitlyn Schwarz continued her high level of success with the program with just one loss at No. 1 singles (12 wins) following back-to-back undefeated campaigns in the No. 2 slot. She played first doubles as a freshman, Connolly noted. “Kaitlyn is a very high achiever on the court and in the classroom,” she said. “She’s a strong all-around player who’s considering playing in college depending where she ends up. She has a great first serve and can place a shot wherever she wants it.”

Senior Alex Dinowitz worked hard on her game all summer and saw it pay off with a jump from first doubles to second singles, the coach said, and impressed by winning 12 matches. “Alex really wanted to crack the singles lineup and put in a lot of practice time,” Connolly said. “She’s the type of player who adapts well to an opponent’s style. And she hits consistent strokes.”

Returning at third singles with last year’s experience under her belt, sophomore Anna Malin won all but one of 14 matches with a steady all-around game. “Anna is one of our hardest working and dedicated athletes,” Connolly said. “There were a few matches she wasn’t feeling well but battled through it and won. She’s a poised and consistent player who could be our top singles next year.”

Also potentially cracking the singles lineup in 2018 will be Mackenzie Mayin and Martina Eulua, who formed the youngest doubles tandem in the conference and possibly the county. Mayin is a freshman and Eulua is in eighth grade. They went 12-2, losing only to a senior pairing from Plainview. “They were a natural fit for each other,” Connolly said. “Martina is a powerful player with a calm demeanor. She’s always smiling and positive. Mackenzie has a strong serve and can win points at the net or from the baseline. They communicate well between points and always pick each other up.”

At second doubles, sophomore Sari Goldstein and freshman Ashley Kessler went undefeated. “They were a new pairing and bonded quickly,” Connolly said. “They played tremendous all year.”

At third doubles, junior Lexi Kessler, one of the top gymnasts in Nassau, and junior Vanessa Haertin always found a way to get the job done, the coach said. Juniors Rita Bodanova and Marisa Masterieri thrived at fourth doubles. Both pairings went 13-1.

“All the girls played with a competitive edge,” Connolly said. “They really wanted to win for the school and for themselves.”