While football always seems to get more attention, the Hillbillies have another state sectional champion: their girls tennis team.

After coming in second at the SEC Conference Liberty Division, the girls went on to a great run in the state tournament, beating Dayton and Glen Ridge before capturing the Section 2, Group 1 championship by beating New Providence.

This year was Mr. Thai’s first season as varsity coach, and it was a successful one to say the least.  Although he cited the “more more intense hours” and longer paperwork as downsides of his new position, he also said how the girls grew with each other. “We are a young team and we were mostly sophomores. stepped up during states a lot of pressure they maintained the intensity.”

“ They really stepped up during states; despite the intensity, they kept their composure and stayed focus,” said, Mr. Thai.  He hopes next year that they can be sectional champs again and take back the conference title.

Captain, Nell Karpinski had a standout season of her own.  Many schools were interested in her, ultimately committing to Rutgers. She says her personal season highlight was how well she played against Dayton, knowing college recruiters were there.  She says the team highlight of this season was when the Hillbillies defeated New Providence in States, considering the fact they lost to them last year in the finals. .