MENDON, N.Y. — Section V Girls’ Tennis hosted the New York State Far West Regional Qualifiers on Monday, October 17, 2022 at Mendon Racquet Club. Class A1 champion Brighton faced A2 champ Pittsford-Mendon for a spot in the Division 1 State Quarterfinals while Honeoye Falls-Lima (B1) and Wellsville (B2) squared off for a spot in the Division 2 quarters.
Brighton faced Mendon in regular season play just over two weeks ago. The rematch proved to be just as exciting. Brighton was able to continue its undefeated regular season streak winning 4-3 on September 30th, but Monday proved to be Mendon’s day as the Vikings beat Brighton 4-3 and advanced to regional play in Williamsville this coming Saturday.
Brighton swept the singles matches with Leyla Tozin defeating Omika Patel 6-2, 6-1, Elizabeth Norris beating Eshal Mobeen 6-1, 6-1 and Kylie Mariano defeating Rihanshi Agrawal 6-3, 6-2. But in doubles, Mendon swept all four matches. Mendon’s Jenny Zhao and Jessica Yao defeated Brighton’s Olivia Rizzo and Samantha Kotz 6-2, 6-0 at first doubles. At second doubles, Mendon’s Sophie Khan and Vasu Jaligama defeated Brighton’s Ella Hall and Chandhana Ravi 6-3, 6-4. Trailing in the second set against Amelia Hutchinson and Sidone Murphy, Mendon’s Sia Patel and Aiza Ahmed rallied for a 6-2, 7-5 win. At fourth doubles Mendon’s Jiwoo Han and Grace Wu defeated Neila Mariano and Katie Vitale 6-0, 6-2.
“Mendon had to bring their best to beat a perennial powerhouse like Brighton,” Mendon coach Chris Peets commented. “Our depth from singles to doubles has paid dividends for us all year and today that was evident once again. This was a true team effort.”
Fresh off celebrating its first sectional title in 12 years, HF-L faced a Wellsville team that went undefeated in regular season play. HFL has been on a streak and wouldn’t be stopped on their quest for more tennis, defeating Wellsville 5-0. HF-L’s first singles Maddy Langley defeated Samantha Bidzerkowny 6-2, 6-2. At second singles, teammate Hazel Jokl defeated Meagan Riley 6-1, 6-1. A competitive third singles had opponents splitting the first two sets before HF-L’s Ellie Davis ultimately defeated Wellsville’s Sarah Mattison 1-6, 6-3, 10-5.
At first doubles, HF-L’s Ava Youngblut and Ellie Casler defeated Wellsville Hanna Miles and Caitlin Bittel 6-1, 6-0 and at second doubles, HF-L’s Mary Repass and Sydney Emerson defeated Wellsville’s Kelsey Seely and McKenna Wonderling 6-0, 6-2.
“Winning this playoff is such a thrill for our HFL community,” HF-L coach Gae Orsini said. “Finally being able to secure a sectional title felt elusive and advancing this far is just icing on the cake! These girls really love cake and winning, so we’re poised to give East Aurora the match of their lives!”
Mendon will face Section VI representative Clarence while HF-L will squares off with East Aurora on Saturday, October 22nd at Miller Tennis Center in Williamsville, New York. The winners advance to the NYSPHAA Team Semifinals at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York on November
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