Mepham tennis team takes conference title

 It might be Mepham girls’ tennis coach Claire Cohen’s first year on the job, but the Lady Pirates are playing like they’ve been together forever.

The team finished the regular season by knocking off Plainedge 4-3 twice in a doubleheader to finish undefeated in Conference III-B. The only time that the Lady Pirates (12-0) didn’t complete a match was when they were forced to stop due to lack of daylight. “Our biggest enemy is darkness,” Cohen said with a laugh.

No one player led to the team’s success. Instead Cohen credited the team’s attitude and drive as a whole. “They all work really hard; they’re attitude is just fabulous,” Cohen said. 

Though Cohen is a new face to the varsity squad, the team itself has a wealth of experience and talent. Five seniors lead the squad; Shayna Lupu plays third singles, Molly Bienstock and Shannen Gaffney make up first doubles, and Alison Ferris and Rachel Gordon comprise second doubles. Captains Lupu and Bienstock set the model for the rest of the team, one that is based on consistency Cohen said. 

Lupu’s consistency is evident throughout her style of play; with a powerful serve and the ability to place the ball, she is an overall “smart player,” Cohen said. 

Apart from senior leadership, freshman Lena Diller heads up the lineup at No. 1 singles. The freshman has won most of her matches and improved as the season progressed. Cohen noted opponents have dubbed Diller “a wall” because she sends almost every ball back regardless of her position on the court. Even though she’s known for being a fierce opponent, Diller also plays they sport with class — a characteristic that Cohen has emphasized with all of her players. 

In tennis, unlike most other high school sports, the girls have to make their own calls. So when it comes to calling whether a ball is in, the decision is left to the players. 

Mepham has received only praise from its opponents on fairness and honesty, Cohen said. That’s in large part because their love of the game shines through at every moment. “They’re having a lot of fun; they always like their opponents,” Cohen added. 

The fun isn’t over for Mepham as it heads into the postseason. Playoffs have to yet to be scheduled, but the Lady Pirates are sure to be a force to be reckoned with.

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