Syosset Defeats Port Washington To Win Third Straight Nassau County Large School Title

It’s officially a three-peat. 

The Syosset Braves won its third consecutive Nassau County Large School title on Tuesday, knocking off Port Washington 5-2 on the courts of Cold Spring Harbor High School in a rematch of last year’s county final. 

“To me, it’s the camaraderie of the girls on the team. They motivate each other year-round, not just in season, but during the off season as well,” Syosset head coach Shai Fisher said on the key to the team’s success. “They are such great friends off the court and it shows. They are always motivating one another to get better.”

It’s because of that motivation that Syosset seems to always be peaking at the right time, and playing their best tennis at the latter stages of the season. On Tuesday, Syosset got three key victories from its singles play, as Stephanie Marcheret won 6-2, 6-4 at first singles, Skyler Lin won 6-2, 6-4 at second singles, and Hannah Wang posted a 6-0, 6-1 win at third singles. 

In doubles play, Tiffany Cai & Shubu Pradhan were 6-1, 6-2 winners at second doubles while the third doubles team of Kayla Lo & Julia Isham won 7-6(4), 6-4. 

“It feels amazing. Winning it once is special, but three years in a row is something I’ll never forget,” said Isham, a senior co-captain. “Winning another county championship during my final season, and do it with this group of girls means everything.”

For Port Washington, Christiana Kent & Shoriya Bhat-Bhandarkar were 7-6(3), 6-4 winners at first doubles, and Lila Hershman & Peri Cooper came back from a set down to win 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 at fourth doubles. 

“The last couple of days we have practiced with the tough windy conditions, which helped prepare them for today,” said Fisher. “It’s that dedication from the girls, and not just during the season but year-round, that is key. It also takes great chemistry, community support, administrative support and a little luck, there are so many things that go into our success. Our girls love the team aspect of this, and that helps everyone buy in.”

Syosset now awaits its opponent in the Long Island Large School Championship, which is also the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) South Regional Championship.