Lady Sailors rally to 6-2 mark

The third time proved a charm for Oceanside’s girls’ tennis team last Friday at home against Carey/Sewanhaka.

The Lady Sailors, who lost to Massapequa and South Side by the slimmest of margins in September, pulled out a 4-3 victory when senior Brianna Forman defeated Sajeeda Chin, 6-3, 6-1 in the decisive match at third singles.

“Our girls have a strong bond with each other and really came together as a team,” Oceanside coach Jamie Della Rocca said. “I’m very happy with the season so far. The only matches we lost were 4-3.”

Two days prior to outlasting Carey/Sewanhaka, the Lady Sailors (6-2 in Conference II-B) avenged their loss to Massapequa by handing the previously undefeated Lady Chiefs a 5-2 setback. The highlight of the match was seniors Ali Brooks and Emily Carlisi defeating Jessica Seigles and Lauren Reisig at first doubles, 7-6, 6-1.

Brooks, who played first doubles a year ago, and Carlisi, who went undefeated at second doubles, have proved a formidable tandem and will represent the team at the Nassau County Tournament this Saturday and Sunday at Oceanside. They’re 8-0 on the season and have yet to lose a set.

 “Ali and Emily are working out exactly as I thought,” Della Rocca said. “They jelled early. They show incredible teamwork. They use the double alleys well and can win points from the baseline or at the net.” 

At second doubles, seniors Leigh Cohen and Sydne Jacoby have won five of their last six matches after a hard-fought, three-set marathon loss to South Side in the opener. “Their personalities come together on the court and they have a lot of fun,” Della Rocca said.

The third doubles tandem of senior Erica Kleiman and freshman Kelsey Dass are also 5-2. The coach described Kleiman as “one of the most consistent players on the team.”

Competition for the fourth doubles spot was tough, and sisters Lindsay and Sam Goldberg are thriving as a pair after earning the position. Lindsay is a junior, and Sam is a freshman. They stand undefeated in four matches, including three-set wins over Massapequa, Wheatley and Lynbrook. “They’re flourishing and have become a big asset to the lineup,” Della Rocca said.

At the top of the singles lineup, Oceanside boasts perhaps the most talented player in Conference II-B in freshman Paulina Tafler. Ranked as one of the top 10 under-14 players in New York by the United States Tennis Association, Tafler has all the tools and was undefeated in seven matches.

“She’s a mature, patient player with tremendous skills,” Della Rocca said of Tafler, who like the first doubles team has yet to drop a set and will compete in this week’s county tournament. “The placement of her shots is unmatched and she does a great job of wearing down opponents.”

Junior Amadine LeGoupil, who features a strong first serve, is holding her own at second singles with three wins, and Forman, a five-year varsity performer with a wide array of shots, has five wins.