Monroe girls tennis team feels some growing pains
Young Falcons gaining varsity experience
while rebuilding
Several young players are getting the chance to play this fall as coach Trudy Marmorek works to rebuild the Monroe High School girls tennis team.
The Falcons had a strong season in 2000, but this time around they’re without two top players. Captain Christina Venetucci, who went 18-2 at second singles, graduated in June, and Kristen Jancola, who won 15 matches at first singles, transferred.
As a result, Marmorek’s team is young and inexperienced, major reasons for Monroe’s 3-12 mark.
The Falcons’ victories have come against Sayreville, twice, and Carteret.
But despite the difficulties her team has faced this year, Marmorek remains optimistic that the growing pains will dissipate before they get worse.
"We’re rebuilding and looking to develop players for next season," the coach said. "We only had 10 girls come out this season and they’re working hard and getting better. I’m also hoping that we get a better turnout next year."
There have been bright spots. Junior Kaitlyn Schubert has done well at first singles, winning six matches and qualifying for the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III individual tourney.
Hard-working senior Meredith Blumenstock has been a tough competitor at second singles, where she regularly takes opponents to three sets.
At third singles, Lorin Mordecai, a sophomore, has been a good surprise, winning seven times.
Junior Kim Gobac and sophomore Ashley Widmer are at first doubles, with sophomore Surina Patel and freshman Robin Romm at second.
According to Marmorek, she has seen a number of positive signs from her young players this year, and is looking forward to seeing them next fall. With a year of varsity play under their belts, their coach is confident that the wins will come more frequently in the future.
"The girls haven’t quit, they’ve kept doing their best," Marmorek said. "We still have a couple of matches left, so they can still get a few more wins."
But it’s obvious that the Falcons’ best moments on the tennis courts are ahead of them, and when they return next year, all of the hard work they’ve put in this time around should be well worth it.