Kate Fishbone ‘22, Sports Section Editor

Following an abbreviated 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Newark Academy Girls’ Tennis Team looked to come out strong in 2021 and cherish the full season. Despite the brevity of last season, the girls finished with a winning record, ranked third in the American Division and fourth in the Super Essex Conference (SEC). 

The 2021 season only brought more success. Led by captains Kaya Rajparia ‘22, Melanie Kramarchuk ‘22, and Hilary Adelman ‘23, and Coach Scerra, the team went into the season ready to compete. They proved their commitment and preparation by winning their first six matches, five of which were 5-0, meaning the opponent did not win a single match. This success was not a fluke, as for the rest of the season, the girls only lost four matches. Their final record was 16-4. 

One of these hard-fought wins was against Villa Walsh to clinch the North Jersey Non-Public B State Tournament Title. After a clean 5-0 sweep, the tennis team went on to play Moorestown Friends in the final round of the group state tournament. 

From 2010-2017, Newark Academy won seven of eight group state titles. In 2018 and 2019, Moorestown Friends won the title in back-to-back years. However, Newark Academy re-crowned themselves as state champions in 2021 after winning four out of the five matches. First doubles, Joanna Yu ‘25 and Molly Egan ‘24, second doubles, Melanie Kramarchuk and Hilary Adelman, and third singles, Sarah Wang ‘25, won handily to secure the title. Malika Reddy ‘24 added another victory to the lineup. Ayanna Varma ‘25, winner of the Essex County singles title, faced the toughest battle of the day. Stretching into a tiebreak, Varma competed but fell to Moorestown’s Pescatore. 

Their 4-1 victory in the state final put Newark Academy into the mix to win the Tournament of Champions (TOCs). After defeating Scotch Plains in the quarterfinals, they looked to beat Pingry and head to the finals. Although it was a competitive battle, Pingry won 4-1.

When looking back on the season, Kaya Rajparia says, “I’m most proud of the team and especially the freshmen for learning what it means to be on a tennis team, fighting for each other every day, and most of all, believing in themselves.” This year’s success is only a glimpse of what is to come. The team is young and the future of the program looks promising. Hilary Adelman says, “The results for next year can only improve in success because of the strength of our underclassmen and all the team chemistry that we formed this year.” Although they will miss their seniors, the team will continue to work hard and push themselves to be the best they can be next season.