New-look Stevens' team has some big holes to fill
BY SHAWN LAYTON
Staff Writer

EDISON - The J.P. Stevens High School girls tennis team will begin the new season next month without its four-year ace Lucy Zhang.

Zhang, a three-time GMC Tournament champion and state semifinalist in 2004, graduated in the spring and currently attends Barnard College, and affiliate of Columbia University. She plans to try out for the Columbia University team.

"I've been spoiled for the past four years having Lucy at the top of my lineup," Stevens head coach Ellen Pisano said. "This year, we will rely on some JV players from last season to step up to the varsity level to get the job done."

In addition to the absence of Zhang, Stevens also loses the services of last year doubles players Jo-Ming Chaing and Sayuri Khandavilli. Also graduating in the spring were nonstarters Stephanie Ng and Jennifer Chang.

"We're a little weaker than last year," Pisano said. "I never know how coachable the girls are until the season gets under way. I like what I see but our inexperience at doubles may or may not show. Sometimes players get nervous in matches and play a little differently than they do in practice."

Replacing Zhang at No. 1 singles is junior Luba Smolensky. Smolensky was the GMC Tournament champion at No. 2 singles in 2005 and reached the fourth round of the state singles tournament. She has big shoes to fill but is well on her way to being another legendary player at Stevens.

"I'm hoping Luba will continue her climb in the ranks," Pisano said. "She played in tournaments in the offseason and kept her game up. She looks strong and ready to go. Her run in the state tournament last season was very impressive for a No. 2 singles player."

Senior cocaptain Nancy Chen will likely move from No. 3 singles to fill the vacancy at No. 2 with Smolensky taking the top spot. Classmate and fellow cocaptain Rebecca Quan, a No. 1 doubles player in 2005, is expected to make the move to No. 3 singles.

"If Rebecca does win the spot, it will be an adjustment for her because she's never played singles," Pisano said. "She looks ready for the challenge."

Senior Stephanie Kan could also be in the mix for the No. 3 singles spot or one of the positions at No. 1 doubles. Kan saw plenty of action on the doubles court in 2005. Fellow senior Sharanya Mohanty returns to the lineup much improved and looking to earn a starting position among the doubles ranks.

Juniors Daria Wong and Marissa Monaco return to the varsity lineup and bring doubles experience to the court, while sophomores Selena Suhail-Sindhu and Erin Johnson are up from the JV level.

The Hawks open the season at 3:45 p.m. Sept. 8 when they host crosstown rival Edison.

"Edison has a very strong No. 1 in Erika Goldsmith," Pisano said. "She gave Lucy some tough games last year and she and Luba will have some battle. It's a great way to start the season."