Girl's Varsity Tennis Recap

From Left: Claire Harding '15 and Addie Hinton '16 at the Fall Athletic Awards Assembly

By: Addie Hinton '16

From the 20th to the 24th of October, girls varsity tennis had their end of the year tournament. With only one graduated senior, the team was expected to advance in the A Conference rankings. Finishing top three last year, Coach Cathy Officer was determined to take home the trophy. But with the standout schools of Bryn Mawr and McDonogh, along with Mt. De Sales moving up from the B Conference, there was plenty of competition. 

Under the leadership and motivational pep talks of Julianne Podoley and Claire Harding, the girls were able to pull out a winning season record, only losing twice to the powerhouses of Bryn Mawr and McDonogh. Each player would also end up being seeded top four in their bracket and everyone had the chance to win. 

Number one seed, Addie Hinton, would make it all the way to the semifinals, where she would meet the undefeated Bryn Mawr player, who would eventually go on to take the match and the tournament, only dropping a handful of games throughout the whole season. 

Number two singles, Priya Lakenhpal, would advance all the way to the finals, taking out Bryn Mawr's number two in a intense match along the way. In the finals, she would enter a battle against the player from McDonogh. Despite playing some of her best tennis, the opponent would win the match in straight sets. 

Ana Mann and Hannah Butler, our number one doubles team, had a tremendous win-lose record, earning the third seed in the tournament. Bryn Mawr would eventually take out the Sophomore duo in the quarterfinals. 

Julianne Podoley and Claire Harding were also seeded third in their two doubles bracket. After a three set match against Spalding, the Seniors were given no time to enjoy the win, for another marathon match against Bryn Mawr was awaiting them. Bryn Mawr would take them out in the semifinals, but Julianne and Claire finished their senior season with a fantastic record. 

Last, our third doubles of Christen Morrell and Audrey Cortes would finish the regular season undefeated, storming through every opponent they faced. In the finals, McDonogh would get the best of them and Christen and Audrey would finish second in the league.

Overall, the team had a great season, only losing twice in the regular season and every player being seeded top four in the end of the year tournament. 

McDonogh would lock in their victory with having a team in every one of the finals and Bryn Mawr would later claim second place. After two and a half hours, McDonogh defeated Mt. de Sales in three sets, securing third place for Severn School.

The team had a great record, only losing twice in the regular season. With only two graduating seniors, we hope to keep improving and to move up in the conference rankings. Under coach Officer and JV coach, Coach Clint, girl's Severn Tennis will strive to maintain their good standing in the A Conference rankings.