Lady Pirates Look to Challenge for League 4B Tennis Title

Coach Joan Smith expects her Pearl River girls tennis team to compete for the top of League 4B this season.

The team will open its seventh season with Smith at the helm Sept. 7 at home against East Ramapo. She has led the Lady Pirates to league titles twice, in 2005 and '06. Pearl River also won in '98.

Smith bases her optimism on several factors including returning All-League performer senior Shannon McGuinness and six other returning varsity players -- Lauren Bellante, Aileen Burke, Sarah Koonin, Molly Powers, Jimin Son, and Stacey Wang. 

The addition of junior Elina Arakeylan will also make an impact. Arakelyan, an Armenian native who moved into the Pearl River School District, is enough of an accomplished player that Smith has her slotted in the No. 1 singles spot.

“This will allow us to use Shannon to strengthen the number two singles position and I am sure that she will have a good year," Smith said. "Stacy Wang will play at number three singles.  She is a very steady player.

“Traditionally our team’s strength has been our depth.  But this year I am looking forward to having depth and strength in singles because of our returning players and new players from a strong junior varsity team.  These new players will allow us to maintain our depth.” 

The Lady Pirate JV compiled a 7-1 record in league play last year under the tutelage of Tracy Holihan who is entering her fifth season in that position.

Nyack is the defending League 4B league champion. The Indians also won the Pearl River Tournament in 2010, but they are not the only strong competition.

"Tappan Zee and Nanuet will also be formidable opponents," Smith said. "Nanuet has Kristin Quill who was the league singles champ last year. These will all be tough matches but I expect us to be more competitive.

"I am excited about the season and also expect us
to do better against the larger Class A schools in our conference, including Suffern. Clarkstown North and South and North Rockland.  I just hope that we stay healthy and continue to progress.”

Pearl  River Girls Tennis Schedule 2011

Sept. 7             East Ramapo at Pearl River

Sept. 9             North Rockland at Pearl River

Sept. 12           Clarkstown North at Pearl River

Sept. 13           Pearl River at Suffern

Sept. 15           Pearl River at Clarkstown South

Sept. 19           Pearl River at Albertus Magnus

Sept. 21           Tappan Zee at Pearl River

Sept. 23           Pearl River Tournament

Sept. 24           Pearl River Tournament

Sept. 26           Pearl River at Nanuet

Sept. 27           Pearl River at Nyack

Oct. 3              Pearl River at Tappan Zee

Oct. 4              Nyack at Pearl River

Oct. 6              Nanuet at Pearl River—Senior Recognition

                        Albertus Magnus at Pearl River—

                      Date to be   Determined

Pearl River Girls Varsity Tennis Team Roster for 2011:

Acton, Kelly

Arakelyan, Elina

Bellante, Lauren - Captain

Brady, Alison

Broudy, Rachel

Burke, Aileen

Finer, Lauren

Giaramita, Jessica

Greenbaum, Perri

Hogan, Victoria

Koonin, Sarah

Mazzocchi, Catherine

McGuinness, Shannon - Captain

McIntyre, Joanna

Powers, Molly - Captain

Son, Jimin

Wang, Stacey