Rangers Rank High in Tennis, Community Service

There’s a lot to cheer about with this year’s girls varsity tennis team. The Rangers just qualified for the state playoffs and are the undefeated leaders in of the Division 1 Mid-Wachusett B league. They’ve been undefeated Mid-Wach B champions for the past three consecutive years.

“Our team this year features an exciting combination of returning veterans and strong newcomers. It’s a very special group of girls,” said coach Mary Schwartz. Schwartz, an avid tennis player and long-time competitor, has been coaching the team since 2009 and is optimistic about this year’s outcome.

Seniors and team co-captains Leah Callery and Jess Wilson are four-year veterans of the team and are playing first doubles. Junior Ali Strand is this year’s doubles anchor. Ali, who has played both first doubles and second doubles slots, holds an impressive 22-1 overall record as varsity starter. Senior Stephanie Debs and sophomore Stephanie Johnston play second doubles and are currently undefeated.

Playing the first singles position for the team is freshman Brianna Greene, who has stormed onto the varsity circuit and is currently undefeated in her rookie varsity season.

“Given the success that the 2010 Rangers enjoyed, it is unusual for a freshman to not only break into the starting lineup but also assume the first singles,” remarked Schwartz. “But that’s precisely what Brianna has accomplished. It’s a real testament to her ability and her maturity as a tennis player.”

At second singles starting lineup is sophomore Pooja Ganesh. Junior Cailin Li is leading the starting lineup at third singles.

With a solid mix of proven veteran players and newcomers with outstanding potential, Schwartz believes the team is poised for success this season and beyond. She’s proud of the girls for their commitment not only to the game, but to their community.

Leah Callery and Jess Wilson organized the team’s participation in the in April. All proceeds went to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.

“The girls have been wonderful about donating their time and resources to this cause,” said Schwartz.

Schwartz’s vision is that all the girls on the team will develop skills and experiences that go beyond their well-deserved winning matches.

“I hope that each girl becomes a better tennis player, a better competitor and better person as a result of having been a member of the 2011 Rangers team,” she said.

To watch the Rangers in action, go to www.highschoolsports.net for a complete schedule of upcoming games. You can catch a home game on the courts at Westborough High School.

2011 Rangers Roster:

Ayesha Anwar, Junior
Elise Brown, Sophomore
Leah Callery, Sr Captain, 1st Doubles*
Ashley Chiu, Freshman
Stephanie Debs, Senior, 2nd Doubles
Pooja Ganesh, Soph, 2nd Singles*
Brianna Greene, Freshman, 1st Sgls*
Stephanie Johnston, 2nd Doubles*
Samantha Kehoe, Freshman, 2ndDbls
Cailin Li, Junior, 3rd Singles*
Arielle Sigel, Freshman
Anna Skidmore, Sophomore
Ali Strand, Junior, 2nd Doubles*
Chloe Toso, Senior, Team Manager
Jess Wilson, Sr Captain, 1st Doubles*

*Selected to represent WHS at State Individuals Tournament