Varsity Girls' Tennis Captures Third Straight Title

Under new direction, the Ranney School Varsity Girls’ Tennis team captured its third straight NJSIAA Non-Public ‘B’ South Championship this fall. Meanwhile, the team finished its season 14-1, after losing to a very talented Newark Academy in the NJSIAA State Finals.

The girls won their third consecutive Non-Public title in dominating fashion, defeating each opponent 5-0 during the tournament. Ranney also won the 2010 Patriot Conference Championship and placed second in the Prep ‘B’ State Tournament.

First-year Head Varsity Coach at Ranney, Christel Contrera, motivated the team to succeed throughout the season. “She inspired the players to gain confidence not only in themselves, but also in their teammates,” said Ranney’s Director of Athletics Tom Moriau.

The team was led by five talented seniors. Charlotte Fleming played 1st Singles for Ranney, finishing the year with 11 wins and three losses. Her biggest win of the season came over a talented Molly Alter from Newark Academy in the state finals. This match ended with two tiebreakers and resulted in a 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (7-5) victory for Fleming. Third Singles player Diane Scavelli also played steady tennis all season, finishing 12-2 for Ranney. In addition, the 2nd Doubles team, consisting of seniors Grace Farren and Elizabeth Betesh, completed its season with an outstanding record of 12-1. The same was said for senior Mariel Pearl, teamed with junior Melissa Cantave at 1st Doubles, who ended the season with an impressive 12 wins and one loss as well. Head Coach Christel Contrera is very proud of each and every team member. “I could not have asked for a more talented and dedicated group of girls to work with,” said Contrera.

As the team graduates five tennis players this year, it hopes that juniors Natalie and Melissa Cantave, along with a very gifted group of JV players, will continue to dominant next fall. The Girls’ Tennis Program, consisting of some very motivated players, and a dedicated and experienced coaching staff comprised of those just like Contrera, has developed tremendously over the years. Like other coaches at Ranney, “I look forward to Coach Contrera being part of the Ranney family for years to come,” said Moriau.