GHS senior tennis players (from left) Emma Miller, Norah Andersson Orth, and Saanvi Bethi were celebrated prior to the team sweeping Northwest Catholic last Wednesday.
After celebrating three seniors, the Glastonbury High School girls tennis team won all seven matches against Northwest Catholic on May 17. It was the final regular season home match for seniors Norah Andersson Orth, Emma Miller, and Saanvi Bethi. Prior to the competition, the younger players presented the trio of seniors with Senior Boxes, decorated vessels filled with various objects tailored towards each senior. The departing gift boxes have become an annual tradition for the program. “It’s so sweet to see the effort they put into,” a smiling Andersson Orth expressed. After losing their freshman year to the Covid-19 cancellation, each of the seniors became major contributors the last three springs for a team that won 43 of 48 matches in the regular season during that time span. With their high school playing days nearing an end, the seniors admitted they are feeling melancholy. “It’s sad. We were talking today about how it’s ending,” said Anderson Orth. After playing doubles a year ago, Andersson Orth has served as the team’s No. 1 singles player this year. Miller was promoted to the team’s No. 2 singles player this spring after playing in the four-spot last year. “It’s been different being a captain and a leader and it’s a lot of work, but we’ve made such great relationships with everyone,” stated Miller. “It’s been a really good experience; it’s a great team.” Bethi, who primarily played doubles, added, “I’ve spent a lot more time this year hanging out with all the members of the team and we’ve done a lot of team bonding.” Against Northwest Catholic, the Guardians were nearly flawless on the court, winning every match decisively. Andersson Orth defeated Megan Miller (6-2, 6-1), Elliot Fitch bested Rebekah Aldrich (6-0, 6-1), Samantha Riccardi beat Isabel O’Toole (6-3, 6-1), and Bethi breezed by Elise Reneson (6-0, 6-1) to take the four singles matches. In doubles, the GHS duos teams continued to dominate with Leila Azimov / Sarah Zhang winning (6-1, 6-0), Kiley Gallagher / Kate Qian winning (6-2, 6-0), and Anabelle Rosenbush / Natalie Lamb sweeping (6-0, 6-0). Two nights later, the team closed the regular season with a road victory over Simsbury, finishing with a record of 13-4 Next up is the Class LL tourney starting this Friday (May 26). Following the conclusion of the season, the graduating seniors will spread across the world. Andersson Orth will continue her education in her birth country of Sweden, saying, “I’m a little bit scared. It’s a big move, but I’m excited.” Miller will continue her playing tennis at Western New England University where she will become a member of the Golden Bears in Springfield, Mass. “It’s starting to hit a little bit; it’s definitely sad,” Miller said about moving on from GHS. “I’ve known a lot of these girls since I was little, so it’s going to be a big adjustment.” Bethi, who will attend Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) where she plans to play club tennis in Atlanta, said it’s the people in the program that make the GHS program so successful. “I will miss these girls,” said Bethi. “Every time we come to practice everyone brings all their energy and it’s always a lot of fun.” Miller added, “I will miss it a lot. We are all there for each other and I think that is what I’ve really enjoyed.” Check ciacsports.com for a complete list state tournament schedules and results.
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AuthorSports Editor for the Rare Reminder, Glastonbury Citizen, and Rivereast News Bulletin Archives
April 2024
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