South Side builds momentum

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South Side’s No. 1 and 2 singles players remained perfect on the season and helped the team get back on the winning track with a 5-2 victory over Bellmore-JFK in a Nassau Conference II-B girls’ tennis match at Hempstead Lake State Park on Oct. 8.

Juniors Nikki Huhulea and Juliana Shenker continued their streaks of not losing a set all season as the Lady Cyclones rebounded from narrow back-to-back losses to improve to 6-3. 

“It’s good to get back on track,” coach Chris Colesanti said. “We started off strong winning five of six, but then we lost two tough ones to Plainview and Hewlett. As long as we stay in third place, we’ll be in the playoffs.”

Huhulea, who returned to the top singles spot, is solid in all facets of the game and features a powerful two-handed backhand. “Nikki plays in USTA tournaments and trains regularly,” Colesanti said. “She’s mentally tough and never gets rattled by anyone. She plays with an even keel.”

Shenker, who had a winning record in 2013 at third singles, has dominated while moving up a notch to No. 2. “She’s won 6-0, 6-0 quite a few times,” Colestanti said. “Her forehand and backhand are strong and steady. She’s also got a lot of variety in her game and adapts well to opponents.”

At third singles, junior Jen Curran has become more competitive with every match. She played doubles last season. “She knew it would be a challenge, but she wanted to play singles and worked hard to earn the spot,” Colesanti said.

In doubles, the top pairing of senior Bailey Lopez and Hannah Ditchik have ripped off eight consecutive wins after dropping the season opener. “Bailey’s the best and most experienced doubles player we’ve got,” Colesanti said. “She has a big serve and forehand.” Ditchik has the ability to wear down opponents with consistent ground strokes, the coach added.

Senior Brianna Castagna and junior Dana Croutier, both returning starters, have formed a winning combination at second doubles with a mark of 6-3. “They keep errors to a minimum,” Colesanti said.

At third doubles, the aggressive net play of senior Grace Santorelli and strong baseline work of junior Hannah Posner has resulted in four wins. One of those was a come-from-behind, three-set triumph over Bellmore-JFK’s Jackie Glince and Sarah Moussavi last week.

“We like the conference we’re in,” said Colesanti, whose team went 7-7 in II-A last year. “Geographically it’s a lot better. We don’t miss the 45-minute bus rides.”

The Lady Cyclones hosted a fundraising event Oct. 5 to raise money and awareness for breast cancer, donating all proceeds to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. A student-teacher doubles tournament was conducted, with each tandem consisting of a South Side player partnered with a faculty member. Despite the chilly weather, 11 teams participated.