Lynbrook captures tennis title

With seven returning starters from last year’s double-digit win team in Nassau Conference II-B girls’ tennis, Lynbrook had no trouble picking up where it left off.

The Lady Owls wrapped up the conference title last Friday, defeating Oceanside 4-3, and have their sights set on completing the regular season in undefeated fashion. 

“The girls have such great character and camaraderie, and they’re really committed,” coach Shari Bowes said. “We have nine seniors and they’ve provided great leadership. At this point, since we’re so close, going undefeated is important to them.”

Of Lynbrook’s first dozen matches, only two were nailbiters. The Lady Owls defeated nemesis Hewlett, 4-3, on the clay courts at Seawane Country Club Sept. 13, marking a first in Bowes’ 11-year coaching career. After dropping the first set, the No. 1 doubles tandem of sophomores Allison Shifflett and Sydney Travis rallied to take the decisive match.

The next time the teams met, at Lynbrook South Middle School on Sept. 26, the Lady Owls won 7-0. “To beat Hewlett not only once, but twice, is one of the best feelings,” Bowes said.

Through 12 matches, each of Lynbrook’s four doubles pairings had at least nine victories, with its No. 4 tandem of senior Ayesha Hussain and junior Sydnee Romano still perfect. “They’ve meshed really well together,” Bowes said.

Shifflett, who also played first doubles last season, and Travis stood at 10-1. “They practice constantly outside of school,” Bowes said. “They’re smart players and they read each other well. Both of them have cross-court shots that are usually spot-on. It’s what makes them tough to beat.”

At second doubles, junior Jessica Moreida and sophomore Rosie Perlstein are thriving after playing reserve roles a year ago. They’re 9-2. “Jessica worked so hard over the summer and has great court vision,” Bowes said. “Rosie can rally with anyone.”

Seniors Sarah Moelis and Mara Licciardi are 10-1 at third doubles in their second year as partners. “They’re both strong at the net and have a desire to succeed,” Bowes said. “They’re best friends and excellent leaders.”

Senior Ariana Fixon-Owoo is Lynbrook’s lone returning singles player from 2015. She’s 9-2 in the top spot, thanks to a huge serve, quickness and mental toughness. “She gets to everything and knows exactly where to put the ball,” Bowes said.

Junior Elizabeth Peresiper moved up to the singles ranks from doubles and is 7-4. “She has beautiful, consistent shots,” Bowes said. “I’m proud that she stepped up and took the second singles spot.”

At No. 3 singles, sophomore Casey Kaplan sports a winning record at 6-5, often grinding out a three-set victory. “She never gets down on herself and always battles,” Bowes said.