2006 Scotch Plains Girls Tennis Preview

In only her second year as Scotch Plains Fanwood girls’ tennis coach, Sandra Miller
realizes she faces an uphill climb to bring her program back to prominence, but Miller is enthusiastic that the team is headed in the right direction.

With only two players from the 2005 starting lineup that finished 10-7-1,
the Raiders opened up with losses to Montville and Roselle Park but have bounced back to take two out of three, losing only to Westfield, the state’s sixth ranked team.

“We are starting to show some progress, but we have a long way to go,” said Miller.

“This year is a building year .I will be looking to our experienced players to help the younger ones who can add depth to our team.”

The biggest graduation loss was Carly Heinz, who played first singles the past two seasons

“Carly is a big loss, Her game level was above all of those on our team,” said Miller.

“She was our only Varsity player who played USTA tournaments year round, which helped her to stay match tough for our high school matches,” added Miller.

After successfully playing doubles the past two years, the team’s two returning starters, senior co-captains Kiara Thomas and Jaci Lopez have moved to the unfamiliar territory of second and third singles respectively and have encountered the same growing pains as much of the team.

“Jaci and Kiara are missing each other this year. They are relieved to be playing side by side for their matches. They both encourage each other to play their best,” said Miller.

In her straight set loss to Roselle Park, Miller opined “Jaci ran out of steam. Maybe she was looking for her partner.”

Thomas also lost that day in straight sets but Miller was encouraged how much her play improved in the second set, calling a “very positive sign”.

Miller’s top player, Junior Kathleen Yan, vaulted past Thomas and Lopez to gain the first singles slot, even though she had limited varsity experience as a sophomore last year.

“She is a sure and steady player who has had to learn about match play this year. She is learning to add power to her consistent game,” noted Miller.

The coach is enthusiastic about talented freshman Alexandra Szczuka, who is playing first doubles with sophomore Sahrula Kubie.

“Alex is showing all of us what hitting an angle really means,” said Miller.

“Both Sahrula and Alex are learning the art of doubles and should make a great team soon and for sure in the next year or two.”

Juniors Rachel Kreyer and Courtney Bifani have played most of the matches at second doubles, where freshman Neha Pannuri and Junior Maya Robinson have also shared time.

”Neha has the tenacity to win matches, and with some experience should
be a competitive tennis player in the next few years,” said Miller.

Before becoming head coach Miller coached the Junior Varsity for three years, Miller a certified Teaching Pro and life long player, has helped develop many of the current players on the varsity and also coached the Boy's team last spring.

Janice White, who teaches tennis during the summer, has taken over as Junior Varsity coach.

The Raiders will be competing today and tomorrow in the Union County Tournament.

“This will be a great chance for our girls to gain big match experience,” said Miller.