Girls High School Varsity Preview: South Side Cyclones

September 27, 2010 | By Chris Colesanti

The South Side Cyclones Girls Varsity Tennis Team from Rockville Centre, N.Y. are returning their entire starting lineup this year which is heavily laden with seniors and four-year starters. The last three seasons, South Side has been a playoff team and a contender for the Conference Championship in Conference 2B, compiling a record of 28-10 over that time. So far they have opened the 2010 campaign a perfect 5-0.

The team is led by its star player, Senior Deana Davoudiasl who returns as the number one singles player for the third consecutive year. She has amassed an incredible record of 34-4 over the last three years, and is a three-time All-County Player.

Senior Rachel Shenker complements Deana nicely in the number two position and is a steady, smart player with well-grooved strokes and great finesse.

Junior Alyssa Adler, at number three singles is probably the toughest player on the team mentally and physically. She is an absolute wall and never beats herself. And even more impressive is her calm demeanor whether she is winning or losing.

Juniors Erin Gabriel & Stefanie Ziegler anchor the doubles lineup at the number one position and are by far the most aggressive and dominant doubles duo, with big serves, crushing overheads and precise volleys. 

At number two doubles, Senior Lizzy Handsman (The Lizard) is joined by newcomer and freshman sensation Suzanne (Banana) Silecchia, who has been training and playing tournament tennis since she was eight-years-old. The duo pulled out a tremendous clutch win over Oceanside in their first match together by squeaking out a third set tie-breaker in the deciding match.

At number three doubles, Seniors Jenna Mantell & Jenna Talesnick complement each other nicely in terms of skills and temperament, and at 4-1, are off to a great start.

At number four doubles, Seniors Lindsey Levine & Andie Hurwitz bring positive energy and great chemistry to the team with their outstanding attitudes and fun-loving approach to the game.

The alternates are also loaded with talent and potential, and when the nine seniors graduate this year, there will be many eager and skilled players coming up to replace them. Felicia DeMarco and Tina Barricelli currently sit atop the alternate ladder and are looking to step in if needed this year.

And, last but not least, South Side’s captain and quiet leader Nicole Scaduto, who unfortunately tore her ACL last spring and is unable to play, returned nonetheless to finish her career as the team’s inspirational leader.

Last year, the team lost in the semifinals to a very game Manhasset squad in a four-hour epic under the lights at Manhasset. The Lady Cyclones would love to have another chance to advance in the playoffs, but first they must contend with some very tough competition in their own conference in the form of Oceanside, Lynbrook and Massapequa, amongst many others. Conference 2B may be one of the deepest and most challenging conferences in Nassau County Girls Tennis. So far, at 5-0, the Lady Cyclones are off to a great start, but with a 14 game schedule, the girls know they have a long way to go.

South Side Upcoming Matches

►09/27 @ Massapequa @ 4:15 p.m.
►09/29 @ Long Beach @ 4:15 p.m.
►10/01 vs. Oceanside @ 4:30 p.m.
►10/06 @Wheatley @ 4:15 p.m.
►10/12 @ Lynbrook (South Middle School, Lynbrook) @ 4:15 p.m.
►10/13 vs. Massapequa @ 4:15 p.m.
►10/15 vs. Long Beach @ 4:30 p.m.

Conference II-B Standings



Conference Record Overall Record
Team W-L-T W-L-T
South Side 5-0-0 5-0-0
Massapequa  4-0-0 4-0-0
Oceanside  3-2-0 3-2-0
Lynbrook  2-1-0 2-1-0
Wheatley  1-2-0 1-2-0
Carey/Sewanhaka  0-0-0 0-0-0
Long Beach  0-4-0 0-4-0
Bellmore JFK  0-4-0 0-4-0

 


Chris Colesanti
Head Coach, South Side Girls Varsity Tennis

Chris Colesantii head coach of the South Side Girls Varsity Tennis team. He may be reached by e-mail at ccolesanti@rvcschools.org.

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