Varsity Girls Take NJSIAA Non-Public B Sectional Championship

The Girls' Varsity Tennis team won its second consecutive NJSIAA Sectional Championship on Friday, October 16. In only the second year competing within the NJSIAA, Ranney beat top-seeded Moorestown Friends, 4-1, for the title.

Three-time State Champion Laura Church provided the first point for Ranney, winning 6-2, 6-1 at 3rd Singles. Adding the second point was the 1st Doubles team of Melissa Cantave and Natalie Cantave after winning 6-4, 6-3. At 2nd Singles, Diane Scavelli sealed the upset with a hard fought victory, 6-3, 6-1. Also, at 1st Singles, Charlotte Fleming won 7-6 (3), 6-1. At 2nd Doubles, Grace Farren and Mariel Pearl won their first set, 6-3, but lost the next two 6-1, 6-2, giving Moorestown Friends their only point. The win kept the team undefeated at 15-0, overall, on the season.

Varsity Girls' Tennis coach Jim Moreland praised the team for their win, saying, "The girls' team has done an outstanding job this year. They have shown that they can play under pressure, come from behind, and win even when they are not playing their best. They believe in themselves and in our team. But what stands out the most is the way they handle their individual wins and losses. They accept their wins graciously and use them as an opportunity to reinforce their strengths and build their confidence. Similarly, they accept their losses quietly and use them as an opportunity to learn and to improve their games. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to coach such an outstanding group of girls."

With the title of NJSIAA Sectional Champs secured, the Girls' Varsity Tennis team advances to the first round of State Non-Public B Group Championship on Wednesday, October 21. The undefeated Panthers (15-0) will face Villa Walsh, ranked 10th in the state, at Mercer County Park at 1:00 p.m. Villa Walsh, also undefeated, beat Montclair Kimberley 4-1 last week to win the North Sectional title. The winner of Wednesday’s match will advance to the NJSIAA Tournament of Champions. For more information, link to: www.njsiaa.org/SPORTS/Girlstennis.aspx.

Congratulations to the team and coach Moreland!

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