South Side eyes tennis title

With its entire starting lineup from last year intact, South Side’s girls’ tennis team set a lofty goal of a conference championship and so far is meeting expectations.

The second half of the schedule gets underway this week, and the Lady Cyclones (6-0) are neck-and-neck with Massapequa for first place. The frontrunners have yet to meet but will do so twice this month. 

“We established a goal of winning the conference title on the first day of practice,” coach Chris Colesanti said. “That’s our goal and we feel it’s entirely in our hands. If we play up to our potential every match, we’ll be tough to beat.”

No. 1 singles player Deana Davoudiasl has been difficult to knock off for years. A three-time All-County award winner, she entered her senior campaign with a 34-4 career mark and is fast approaching 40 wins. “She’s an extremely focused and determined athlete,” Colesanti said. “She a hard, accurate hitter with a tremendous all-around game.”

It seems likely Davoudiasl will bypass the singles bracket at the Nassau County Tournament Oct. 16-17 and pair with freshman Suzanne Silecchia in the doubles event.

 Silecchia has formed a tremendous second doubles tandem with senior Lizzy Handsman. The duo pulled out a three-set marathon against Oceanside in the season-opening match, giving South Side a narrow 4-3 defeat. The third set went to a tiebreaker. “It was the third time in a row we played a 4-3 match against Oceanside,” Colesanti explained. “They beat us twice last year so it was nice to redeem ourselves. I think it really help set the tone for the season.”

At second singles, the finesse game of senior Rachel Shenker has her undefeated through six matches. “She’d be No. 1 on a lot of teams,” Colesanti said. “She’s a crafty and smart player with consistent forehand and backhand shots.”

Junior Alyssa Adler, who rounds out the starting singles trio, polished her game during the offseason and returned with an added element. “Alyssa’s playing a more aggressive style,” Colesanti said. “She’s always been able to wear opponents down, but now she’s coming to the net more and putting points away.”

Juniors Erin Gabriel and Stefanie Ziegler anchor the doubles lineup at the No. 1 spot. “They’ve made strides every year and are tough to beat,” Colesanti said. Gabriel has a powerful serve and overhead smashes, while Ziegler’s game features a solid backhand and smooth ground strokes.

The chemistry between seniors Jenna Mantell and Jenna Talesnick at third doubles has translated into a 5-1 start for the tandem. They complement each other well, as Mantell is left-handed and Talesnick is right-handed.

Seniors Lindsey Levine and Andie Hurwitz held off a host of challenges for the fourth doubles spot. Alternates Felicia DeMarco and Tina Barricelli, both sophomores, have also contributed. 

“We’d be disappointed in anything less than an appearance in the conference finals.” Colesanti said.