Ross School’s Dangin, Teixeira Claim Suffolk County Doubles Title
Lola Dangin & Luma Teixeira have been friends and playing tennis together since they were five-years-old, so their on-court chemistry has always been there.
That proved to be a critical factor in the Suffolk County Doubles Championship at Shoreham-Wading River High School as the Ross School pairing defeated William Floyd’s Anabel Van Cott & Lydia Van Cott 6-1, 6-1 in Tuesday’s final.
“We have known each other since we were little kids, and have been playing tennis together and competed in doubles tournaments growing up,” said Teixeira. “We’re really confident as a team.”
It’s not only their connection that helps them, it’s their complementary strengths that makes them such a potent doubles combination. Teixeira thrives at the net, while Dangin is effective at the baseline, which leaves their opponents little weaknesses to attack.
“Luma’s very good at the net and is always attacking,” Dangin added. “When they serve, I can hit my shot and return deep which sets her up at the net; we utilize the one-two shot strategy.”
They put that strategy to good use on Tuesday, and were able to control points both from the baseline and the net.
The two now prepare for the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Individual Championships which begin on Monday, October 26 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
A year ago, Dangin was partnered with Lillien Weiss and the two finished in third place at the State tournament. Dangin hopes to build on that result this time around alongside Teixeira.
“We’re definitely going to train as we normally do. Go to school, and then train afterwards,” Dangin said.
Teixeira added:
“We’re playing great right now, and we just want to make sure we keep that connection going, and maintain our communication. We want to keep the energy up and keep going forward.”
As the county runners-up, the Van Cotts will also be heading to next week’s State Championships, as will the Bayport-Blue Point tandem of Evie Romano & Eden Romano, who beat their Phantom teammates Jordana Heller & Leila Rogers in the third-place match.
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