Ross School Wins First Suffolk County Girls’ Team Title

For the first time in program history, the Ross School girls’ tennis team are Suffolk County Champions.

The Ravens edged Bayport-Blue Point 4-3 in the Suffolk County Small School title at Shoreham-Wading River High School, winning all three singles flights to help secure its place in the Long Island Championship. 

“We knew that this match was going to be a battle. Bayport-Blue Point are the defending champions, they are a well-coached team with great depth,” said Ross coach Richele LeSaldo. “I’m so proud of our how team competed and supported one another through a tough match; they showed a lot of courage and believed in themselves and one another when it mattered most.”

To start things off, Lola Dangin & Luma Teixeira posted a 6-0, 6-0 victory at first doubles to put Ross in the lead early on. 

“It is a pretty cool feeling,” said Teixeira. “The last time I played on the team was when I was in seventh grade, so to come back and get this win with Lola is great! I am really excited for what our team can do this year, and I think it’s gonna be a super fun journey with the girls.” 

The two teams would then trade victories. Bayport-Blue Point’s Leila Rogers & Eden Romano won 6-4, 6-4 at second doubles, Evie Romana & Jordana Heller won 6-0, 6-1 at third doubles, and Julie Wellems & Juliette Carbone won 6-0, 6-1 at fourth doubles.

For Ross, Lillien Weiss won 6-0, 6-1 at second singles, and Brooke Saracco won 6-0, 6-0 at third singles.

With three courts to each team, the county final would come down to the first singles battle between Bayport-Blue Point’s Lily Castka and Ross’ Paula Velazquez Osornio. After splitting the first two sets, the county final would be determined by a deciding third set between the team’s top two players.

Osornio jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the decider which gave her the advantage she needed. A few games later, Osornio closed out the 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-3 win to seal her team’s county title.

“This is a historic moment for Ross,” LeSaldo said. “Our first Section XI girls’ tennis championship, and they should be proud of what they’ve accomplished.”

Dangin, who delivered Ross’ first win at first doubles, said:

“I think what makes the Ross tennis team so special is how all the girls come together and support each other, both on and off the court. Having a team of girls who encourage you, stand behind you, and push you to be better makes such a difference. I think what makes us unique is that we’re not just a group of individual players, but a team that gives each other the confidence to be brave, take risks, and keep going no matter what.”

Ross will take on Cold Spring Harbor in the Long Island Small School Championship. The winner will advance to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Team Championship on Friday, November 6.

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