(Photo courtesy Law Girls Tennis)

By Kayla Markowitz – News Editor 

The Jonathan Law girls tennis team has taken the final swings of its 2024 regular season.

Law finished with a record of 10-10 and qualified for the Class L State Tournament. They will host a first round match on Friday, March 24.

The team was led this year by senior captains Isabella Gecaj, Chloe Haasch, Moulika Sivalenka, and Kaitlyn Goldberg.

“One of our biggest goals this season was to make states,” Sivalenka said. “We did that as a team by always cheering each other on and improving our game during practice.”

After losing four key starters from last year, Law went through a rebuilding process in the beginning stages of the season. Nevertheless, the team continued to improve – one swing at a time. 

“This year, our team showed the power of hard work,” Head Coach Mr. Kulenych said. “We lost some of our best players from last year’s team, we had the most difficult schedule we have had in years, and most of the girls were playing much higher in the lineup than they played last year, but they were determined to grind out matches and get better every day.”

Law earned wins over Sheehan (twice), Lyman Hall (twice), West Haven (twice), Platt Tech (twice), Shelton, and Sacred Heart Academy – a team they had not beaten in six years.

Singles players this season were Gecaj (1 singles), sophomore Harshitha Kothapalli (2 singles), freshman Courtney Russo (3 singles), and Goldberg (4 singles). The doubles teams for much of the season were senior Kayla Nastasia/junior Kacey Pagaduan (1 doubles), Haasch and junior Brianna Madelung (2 doubles), and Sivalenka/sophomore Siya Patil (3 doubles).

Off the court, it was important for the team to participate in team bonding activities. The captains encouraged every player to cheer each other on to create a supportive and fun environment during games and practice. 

“Having everyone get loose and joke around whether that be at pasta parties or just fun games at practice can be a great way to build that team chemistry,” Gecaj said. “It really does make a difference when the match gets tough and you have your teammates there to support you.” 

With the States Tournament approaching, Law is excited to show off its skills.

“The team is preparing for states by taking some well needed rest and then getting back in with four days of practice leading into our first states match,” Haasch said. “We are also super excited for our pasta party to get hype and team bond.”

Throughout the season, everyone on the team worked hard to volley their way to success and dedicated themselves to the team. 

“This season I truly felt what it meant to be part of a team,” Kothapalli said. “I’ve never been a part of a more dedicated and hardworking team and I can’t wait to continue that energy in future seasons.”

Kulenych said he was proud of the character and determination the girls showed all-season long.