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05/13/2019 12:00 AMThe East Haven girls’ tennis team recently split a pair of matches during a week that saw the Yellowjackets pick up their third win of the year. East Haven’s victory came via a 7-0 shutout against Career, marking the second time that the Yellowjackets blanked the Panthers this season. The Easties have a record of 3-10 with six matches left on their schedule.
“The victory is great for the team,” Head Coach Dave Oshana said. “I am hoping to continue moving forward, and we should be able to pick up a couple more wins by the end of the season.”
East Haven completed its season sweep of Career by earning a 7-0 road win over the Panthers at the East Shore Athletic Complex on May 6. Senior captain Jenna Pane posted a 6-0, 6-0 victory for East Haven in the No. 1 singles match. Junior Jade Roberts earned a 6-0, 6-2 win at No. 2 singles; senior captain Mikayla Raffone notched a 6-0, 6-2 win at No. 3 singles; and senior Victoria Gaudino prevailed by the final score of 6-3, 6-3 in the No. 4 singles contest.
In doubles action, the Yellowjackets’ top pairing of juniors Kayla Vernon and Riya Patel claimed a 6-1, 6-0 victory; the No. 2 duo of junior Emma Luden and freshman Linette Gonzalez won a 6-1, 6-3 decision; and the No. 3 tandem of sophomores Siya Patel and Doreen Alberino netted a 6-2, 6-0 win.
Pane’s victory brings her one step closer to clinching a spot at the State Open Championship. Last year, Pane competed in the State Open as a junior.
“Jenna is a tremendous tennis player. She has played really well so far this season,” Coach Oshana said. “Her level of play has grown even from last year, and she is hitting not only accurately, but with a lot of power. She is playing Division I teams and often beating their best players, like Cheshire’s and Mercy’s. She has a good chance of making the states again this year if she keeps on winning.”
While Pane has seen the most success in the win-loss column, Oshana has been pleased by the Yellowjackets’ progress across the board on the courts this year.
“The girls have all earned their positions by challenging each other for the spots on the varsity lineup. I have seen captain Mikayla Raffone really grow this season. She plays smart and has the stamina to win several of her matches in the third sets,” Oshana said. “My No. 2 doubles team of Kayla Vernon and Riya Patel moved up to No. 1 doubles and are playing well this season, too. Linnette Gonzalez has won matches this season, and you can expect more from her in the future.”
Two days after beating Career, East Haven took a 6-1 home loss against West Haven on May 8. The Yellowjackets’ victory came in the No. 3 doubles match, where senior Brianna Green and sophomore Emily Sortito held a 5-4 lead in the first set, before winning the contest via default.
Coach Oshana believes that East Haven has a few more wins up its sleeve before the season is finished. With everyone’s game falling into place, Oshana said the Yellowjackets are primed to closed out the campaign on a positive note.
“They’ve not only improved their fitness levels, but they’ve improved their ability to set up points in games by strategizing while to hit the ball and how to move their opponent,” said Oshana. “Seeing them be able to play competitively with other teams and often win really makes me proud of them. They realize that the harder you work, the better you play.”
From the Sidelines
The East Haven girls’ tennis team’s roster features senior captains Jenna Pane and Mikayla Raffone; seniors Jianna Clemente, Victoria Gaudino, and Brianna Green, juniors Emma Luden, Carolyn Miller, Riya Patel, Jade Roberts, and Kayla Vernon, sophomores Doreen Alberino, Allison Arevalo, Areona Henderson, Nevaeh Henderson, Siya Patel, Jessie Quinto, and Emily Sortito; and freshmen Linette Gonzalez, Megan Povilaitis, and Diana Vazquez.
Dave Oshana is in his sixth season as East Haven’s head coach.
In addition to notching a pair of 7-0 wins versus Career, the Yellowjackets’ other victory thus far this year was a 7-0 victory over Wilbur Cross.
East Haven still has home matches with Sheehan, Shelton, Platt Tech, and Cross. The Yellowjackets’ last two road matches are against Hamden and Platt Tech.