As the 2021 girls tennis preseason is now underway, Notre Dame Green Pond sure does have its sights set on the season with a new perspective. After playing an abbreviated last season with Covid guidelines, the team is ready to get back to a semi-normal season.
The team had quite the change in line up last year as former 2018 Doubles District Champion, Keiran Lencheski, was recovering from neurosurgery and was unable to play. Keiran will make her return to Notre Dame Green Pond’s team this year after a year and a half battle with health issues. She is still not 100%, but is glad to step back on court through recovery to assist the Crusaders lineup. Seniors Raissa Kom, Kathy Lopez, and Mariana Cardoza have been working hard in the off season and have made great strides which will inevitably benefit the Crusaders. Kathy Lopez says, “I feel pretty good about the upcoming season and I am feeling confident that I can play for 1st doubles. I am also really excited since it is my senior year so I am glad I’ve improved.” In Raissa Kom’s words about the upcoming season, she said, “I am really excited for the season and am glad that all my hard work and extra practices have paid off.” Senior Mariana Cardoza has been a three year member of the girls team and from sophomore year to now, her game has gotten stronger and more consistent.
When asking Notre Dame Green Pond’s head coach, Tom D’Angelo, what he is most looking forward to this season. He said, “I believe we can surpass last year’s regular season record which will allow us better seeding for Districts.” Preseason can both be daunting and exciting, but in Coach’s words, “Preseason is somewhat encouraging because our younger players have improved with knowing how to play doubles.”
Key Players for the Notre Dame Green Pond Girls Team are: Senior Keiran Lencheski, Junior Amber Unger, and Junior Transfer Veronica Lynn.
Notre Dame Green Pond’s Girls Tennis is thrilled to start their season with great optimism, work ethic, and a positive attitude.
