On Oct. 16, the girls tennis team wrapped up another successful fall season. Despite beginning the season with a narrow 3-2 loss against Summit, the Blue Devils were able to capture their second consecutive win at the North 2, Group 4 Sectional Tournament against J.P. Stevens.
Although the team was defeated by the No. 1 seed Bergen Tech just a few days later in the Group 4 Tournament, Westfield ended with an 11-5 record, similar to last season’s 13-7 record. Led by senior co-captains Abby Pisarra and Julia O’Brien, the team continued to build on its tradition of competitiveness and team camaraderie from the previous season.
For Pisarra, a varsity player since her sophomore year, this season was fueled by creating a positive and welcoming dynamic. “My goals for the team this season were to have a fun year and for everyone to bond,” she said. “I wanted it to be a fun environment for everyone and a safe space for the team to come to after school.”
Junior Lauren Roszak was a staple in each lineup throughout the season, playing as the first singles, followed by sophomore Cadie Stanek as second singles and senior Ava Holzman as third singles. Senior Sophie Mai and junior Emma Legaspi competed as the first doubles, while the second doubles rotated between Pisarra, O’Brien and senior Ella Tarry.
As September progressed, the Blue Devils were able to find their rhythm. Practices became more focused, and according to O’Brien, the team’s work ethic became one of its greatest assets. “We always worked diligently and effectively in practice to work towards our goals, whether that was counties or state sectionals,” she said.
One of the first major turning points of the season came during the county schedule, where Westfield proved they could play with top programs despite early uncertainties. After that first match loss against Summit, the Blue Devils carried on to win their next three matches, highlighting their determination on the court.
The team faced some tough opponents during the regular season, losing to rivals Kent Place and Oak Knoll 5-0. After the loss against Kent Place, the team bounced back with 3-2 and 4-1 wins against Summit and Governor Livingston, respectively. Throughout the season, they proved their ability to use the losses as fuel for the rest of the season.
Head coach Samantha Nichols Jordan saw measurable growth from her athletes throughout the season. “From the start to the finish, the girls grew so much,” she said. “Their confidence, consistency, and overall match play improved every single week.” She also praised the team’s mental toughness, noting, “This group proved over and over that they could stay composed, reset and fight back.”
By the time the sectional tournament began, the Blue Devils were playing their best tennis of the year. The defining moment of the season came in the sectional final against J.P. Stevens, where Westfield won in a tiebreak to secure the championship. “That was one of my favorite memories,” Pisarra said. “It was a very intense match, but each position worked together to pull through with the win.”
Despite a successful season, Jordan said there is always room for growth. She said, “Every season teaches you something, and this one did too. If there’s anything to improve moving forward, it would just be continuing to build on the strong culture we already have by staying positive, staying competitive and always pushing to get better.”
As the Blue Devils look ahead, the foundation built this fall leaves them in a strong position. While the seniors prepare for their next chapter, a talented core of returning players is ready to step up and continue the program’s momentum, with hopes of securing a third straight sectional title next season.
