Team Information
Head Coach: Cheri Mellor
Assistant Coach: Elena Harris

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School Administration
School Color: Dark Green, Black, & White
Nick Name: Cougars

Match played at George School on 10/22/21
sunny cool day

George School 1 Pennington School 4

1 PS Solaris Hayes defeated GS Maya Kowalska 6-1, 6-3
2 PS Proclain Hayes defeated GS Arshi Nagra  6-0, 6-0
3 PS Kathryn Sebastian defeated GS Noori Nagra 6-2, 6-3

1 GS Zoe Goykhman / Neha Kotha defeated PS Carrie Zha / Archie Halgan 
6-3, 6-4
2 PS Ana Pijaro / Gia Vallejas defeated GS Annika Crawford / Rachel Delie   6-2, 6-0

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George School 5   Academy of the New Church 0

Match played at GS on 10/19/21 

Sunny, breezy, 60's.

1 GS Maya Kowalska defeated ANC Emma Bryntesson 6-0, 6-0
2 GS Leena Kuittenen defeated ANC Naida Navarro 6-0, 6-0
3 GS Arshi Nagra defeated ANC Solana Navarro 6-1, 6-02

1 GS Zoë Goykhman/Noori Nagra defeated ANC Olivia Schriver/Ludivine De Valmigere
 6-0, 6-1
2 GS Neha Kotha/Maya Zhitomirsky defeated ANC Ceci Colon/Christina Junge 6-0, 6-0

Maya: Maya played another solid match being focused and determined to complete the match efficiently. Working to keep her unforced errors to a minimum, Maya was able to dictate points and walk off the court with another solid victory. 


Leena: Leena was able to play very tight and error-free tennis. Serving well and hearing beautiful groundstrokes she was able to quickly gain a solid victory in this match.

Arshi: Arshi maintained determination and solid play to win decisively. Always a good test to play a match where thoughtfulness and focus are the central components. 


Zoe and Noori: This team was determined and expeditious in their play this afternoon. The points were quick and on target. 

Maya and Neha: A perfect win for Neha and Maya today. Both players displayed grace and respect as they played each point with the AFS second doubles team.
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Match played at Westtown School on 10/11/21

cloudy, 70 degrees

 

Maya: this match gave Maya the opportunity to display her ability to vary her tennis throughout the course of the match. Not only was she able to dictate the majority of points but she was able to vary her approach in doing so. Incredibly strong match where Maya exhibited not only tremendous tennis but mental toughness as well.

Leena: this match what is the clearest example yet of Leena‘s ability to dig so deep after dropping the first set 6-0. To only her credit, she was able to change the rhythm of the match and find within herself the mental strength and fortitude to get in a zone, to focus and not stop until she got it done. 

Arshi: Arshi displayed her unwavering commitment to work relentlessly on the court and push through every point.  She continues to be a model of perseverance and poise on the court. Her serving continues to get stronger and she continues to try to dictate points by moving the ball around and varying her shots. 

Zoe and Noori played a cliffhanger match today. After losing quickly to Westtown in the first set, they fought back tooth and nail to eek by their opponents in set #2. Their efforts did not go unnoticed. During the third set tiebreak set, the Westtown team moved forward, taking advantage of a few errors on our part. What a great match, Zoe and Noori!

 

Neha and Sejal together played for the first time today, since Maya was out. It was a well-fought match, one where the spectators never knew who was in the lead. With Neha's star sprinting to the ball and Sejal's relentless second efforts, this team strung together many points worthy of taking the match. They came up just a bit short in the end, disappointed but satisfied in knowing that they gave their opponents a real test this afternoon.

 

1 GS Maya Kowalska defeated WS Kapom Vettayawaikoon 6-4, 6-3

2 GS Leena Kuittinen  defeated WS Amy Vaduva 0-6, 6-1, TB third set 10-5

3 WS Alifa Teke defeated GS Arshi Nagra 6-1, 6-1

 

1 WS Charlotte Meyer / Kate Soland defeated GS Zoë Goyhkman / Noori Nagra 
6-2, 5-7, TB third set 10-6

2 WS Leah Stern / Arden Jansen defeated GS Neha Kotha / Sejal Patel 6-3, 6-4

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George School  5 

Friends Select  0

FSL record to date GS 3-4

overall record to date GS 5-4

 

Every year, the Friends Select team shows tremendous spirit and exemplifies what it means to play on a Friends team. They called the balls clean, were friendly in their interactions with our team and demonstrated what it means to belong to the Friends League.

 

1 GS Maya Kowalska def. FS Amilia Squires 6-3, 6-2

2 GS Leena Kuittinen def. FS Madeline Squires  6-1, 6-0

3 GS Arshi Nagra def. FS May Colgan  6-1, 6-0

 

1 GS Noori Nagra / Zoe Goykhman def. FS Nora Colgan / Lucia Yaeger Johnson 6-0, 6-1

2 GS Maya Zhitomirsky / Neha Kotha def. FS Lucy Rupertus  / Lena Piven 6-0, 6-1

 

Maya: Maya once again played a solid and consistent match. Meeting an opponent who she knew could be extremely challenging, she got to work quickly and took advantage of every opportunity to win decisively. 

Leena: Leena had a super strong match, competing against a player with great potential to hit a very heavy ball. Knowing this, Leena did a beautiful job at dictating practically every point by using the entire court and displaying a wide variety of shots. Flawless play!

Arshi: What a well deserved win for Arshi! Her groundstrokes were meticulous and her serving was beautiful. Her effort on the court and her poise during match play makes her the consummate captain! Brilliant playing today matched by extreme grace on the court!

 

1 Doubles was unbeatable today. Zoë showed appropriate restraint in her strokes, insuring winning points without the possible risk of overhitting. Her shots were on the money today, and proved effective throughout the match. Noori, too, relied on her consistent crosscourt strokes, proving again that consistency and not power is often the key to winning points. Her varied short / deep shots kept the opposing team on their toes. Great job, Noori and Zoë.

2 In similar fashion to first doubles, our team of Maya and Neha was very effective today. Neha's speed and quick reactions combined with Maya's strong deep crosscourt shots alternating with shorter responses proved to be the right combination for a win on this beautiful afternoon.

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George School 4  FCS 1
FSL record to date GS 2-5
overall record to date GS 4-5

Match played at GS on 10/12/21

cloudy, 70 degrees

 

1 GS Maya Kowalska defeated FCS Allie Whelan 6-0, 6-0

2 GS Leena Kuittinen  defeated FCS Maddie Jackson 6-0, 6-1

3 FCS Lindsay McCommun defeated GS Arshi Nagra 6-2, 6-2

 

1 GS Zoë Goyhkman / Noori Nagra defeated FCS Faiza Carey / Lauren Coss 3-6, 6-3, TB third set 11-9

2 GS Neha Kotha / Sejal Patel defeated FCS Mel Diah / Tyleencia Wilson 6-3, 6-0

exhibition GS Katharine Coleman defeated FCS Hillary Sevin 6-3, 6-3
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Match played at Westtown School on 10/11/21
cloudy, 70 degrees

1 GS Maya Kowalska defeated WS Kapom Vettayawaikoon 6-4, 6-3
2 GS Leena Kuittinen  defeated WS Amy Vaduva 0-6, 6-1, TB third set 10-5
3 WS Alifa Teke defeated GS Arshi Nagra 6-1, 6-1

1 WS Charlotte Meyer / Kate Soland defeated GS Zoë Goyhkman / Noori Nagra 
6-2, 5-7, TB third set 10-6
2 WS Leah Stern / Arden Jansen defeated GS Neha Kotha / Sejal Patel 6-3, 6-4
 

Maya: this match gave Maya the opportunity to display her ability to vary her tennis throughout the course of the match. Not only was she able to dictate the majority of points but she was able to vary her approach in doing so. Incredibly strong match where Maya exhibited not only tremendous tennis but mental toughness as well.

Leena: this match what is the clearest example yet of Leena‘s ability to dig so deep after dropping the first set 6-0. To only her credit, she was able to change the rhythm of the match and find within herself the mental strength and fortitude to get in a zone, to focus and not stop until she got it done. 

Arshi: Arshi displayed her unwavering commitment to work relentlessly on the court and push through every point.  She continues to be a model of perseverance and poise on the court. Her serving continues to get stronger and she continues to try to dictate points by moving the ball around and varying her shots. 

Zoe and Noori played a cliffhanger match today. After losing quickly to Westtown in the first set, they fought back tooth and nail to eek by their opponents in set #2. Their efforts did not go unnoticed. During the third set tiebreak set, the Westtown team moved forward, taking advantage of a few errors on our part. What a great match, Zoe and Noori!

 

Neha and Sejal together played for the first time today, since Maya was out. It was a well-fought match, one where the spectators never knew who was in the lead. With Neha's star sprinting to the ball and Sejal's relentless second efforts, this team strung together many points worthy of taking the match. They came up just a bit short in the end, disappointed but satisfied in knowing that they gave their opponents a real test this afternoon.

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GS 5

AFS 0

Match played at AFS on 10/08/21

Record to date:

GS 3-4; 1-3 FSL

 

1 GS Maya Kowalska defeated AFS Grace Sousa 6-0, 6-0

2 GS Leena Kuittinen defeated AFS Bella Washington-Valquez 6-0, 6-0

3 GS Arshi Nagra defeated AFS Lily Goldstein 7-5, 6-3

 

1 GS Zoe Goykhman / Noori Nagra defeated AFS Cydney Brown / Arianna Cambria /  6-4, 6-0

2 GS Sajel Patel / Flora Kim defeated AFS Julia Marzzak / Jaihe Wu 7-5, 6-2

Maya: Maya played another flawless match. Her play was an example of shot execution, focus and diligence. Her goals were clear and easily obtained thanks to her unrelenting determination. 

Leena: Leena displayed remarkable shot making, varying between powerful groundstrokes and precise approach and volley combinations. Leena knew het objective and remained focused to get it done. 

Arshi: Arshi’s usual diligence and focus was on display as she consistently worked to play her best tennis. Having to remain constantly clear on her shot choices and to successfully execute them, Arshi was able to come out victorious. 

 

Zoe / Noori 6-4, 6-0 

Noori and Zoe teamed up today due to Avril's injury. As this was their premier match together, the first set saw new adjustments, new communications and a bit of nerves, all which took some time to settle into. At the start of the second set, however, both players decided to play their own game, and looked like storm troopers on total offensive. Before we knew it, the second set was history and these two walked away with a sweet and definitive win. Great job, Noori and Zoe! 

 

 

Neha / Sajel 7-5, 6-2 

Another match for first timers together! Sajel joined the group due to Maya's absence and we played our best.... While set #1 was up and down and down and up, a well-fought set, the second one looked like a whole different game. With more confidence, and reassured strokes, both players cut down considerably on their unforced errors, promising a certain win. I am proud of this team just as I am proud of our first doubles for taking care of business at the close of set #1 and sewing it up nicely in set #2. Nice playing, Sajel and Neha! 

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Shipley 4
GS 1
Match played at Shipley on 10/01/21
Records to date:
GS 2-4

1 SS Tori Allen defeated GS Leena Kuittinen 6-2, 6-2
2 SS Grace Gordan defeated GS Arshi Nagra 6-2, 6-0
3 SS Lilly Colvin defeated Zoe Goykhman 6-0, 6-0

1 SS Lilah Israeli / Cathleen Diaz Damon defeated GS Avril Roberts / Noori Nagra 6-4, 7-5
2 GS Neha Kotha / Maya Zhitomirsky defeated SS Riley Haberman / Nicole Iacouras 4-6, 6-3, TB third set 10-5

Avril and Noori: Avril and Noori put together an exciting match. The variety of shots was evident as both players worked to court very well. Noori's deep crosscourt strokes kept Shipley on their feet. Avril's putaways and occasional down-the-line precision shots added to the excitement of the match. They almost turned the corner t 5-6 in the second set but couldn't quite snatch the key points. Still, this was by far their finest match to date. Great job, Avril and Noori!

Neha and Maya: What a match!! This demonstration of grit and determination was unbeatable in scope. All the points seemed to go back and forth and had the spectators on the edge of their seats for much of the afternoon! Maya and Neha showed huge presence at the net and were able to make point after point thanks to their dedication at the past week's practices. In the third set tie-break set, both players dominated, taking the match in just 10 points. Super work, Neha and Maya! 

Leena: Leena was called to play the top singles spot against a awe-inspiring opponent. Not only did Leena match this accomplished player shot for shot, but truly made her play her best tennis to come out victorious. 


Arshi: Arshi was called to play up to the second single spot today and valiantly tried to execute her game plan by maintaining her ground strokes and strong serving. So much gratitude goes to Arshi for giving her best effort to overcome her opponent today.

Zoe: Not expecting to play today, Zoe was truly a champion for stepping up in traveling to Shipley and giving her best effort to try any means possible to overcome her opponent. In these moments consistency is so important and Zoe was diligent in her efforts to come out victorious. 

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Match played at George School on 09/22/21
blustery day
Records to date:
MFS 7-4
GS 2-=3

1 MFS Bella Pescator defeated GS Maya Kowalska 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), TB 3rd set 10-8
2 MFS Skye Mada defeated GS Leena Kuittinen  6-3, 6-4
3 MFS Kathryn Sebastian defeated GS Arshi Nagra 6-0, 6-1

1 MFS Julia Tourtellotte / Roma Jha defeated GS Avril Roberts / Noori Nagra 
6-3, 6-4
2 MFS Blythe O'Connor / Avani Verma defeated GS Neha Kotha / Maya Zhitomirsky   6-0, 6-3

Maya: To see a higher quality tennis match at the high school level would be virtually impossible. Maya and her opponent played with extreme expertise, skill, fortitude and strength. Their groundstrokes were impeccable, matching each other shot for shot. They were each able to dig very deep and to continue throughout every point to play the highest quality of tennis. Though the score did not end in Maya‘s favor, anyone who witnessed this match knows that both of these players were winners in their own right. Maya’s tennis was extraordinary to watch, and the result of her focus and diligence that she puts forth daily in practice was on full display during this match. Her work ethic is the reason for this extraordinary tennis that she played in this match.  

Leena: Leena continues to try to get her groove after being sidelined with an injury for many weeks. Her strength as a tennis player and her experience leads anyone who watches her to be in utter awe and amazement of her talent. Partnered with that talent is her remarkable mental game, and her positive attitude and sportsmanship on the court. George school is so very proud to have Leena as a valuable member of the tennis team. There is no doubt that with every practice and with every match Leena will continue to strive and reach her previous level of play before her injury. An awesome player to watch, Leena brings her wealth of experience and intentional training to every match.

Arshi: Arshi continues to push herself in each and every point. Arshi’s wonderful attitude and positive approach allow her to continue working diligently on striving to hit out in every point and make the most of opportunities on the court. As one of the captains on the team Arshi leads this group with maturity and intention. A remarkable player with tremendous talent, Arshi balances trying to find her groove on the court during matchplay with being a role model and mentor to each of her teammates in a beautiful fashion. Arshi no doubt will continue to push herself to make great things happen during match play as we move forward in this season.


Avril and Noori: Today, Avril and Noori worked very well together, constructing more and more well-intentioned points as the match progressed. With a good dose of well-balanced rallies on both sides of the net, each team pushed their opponent harder and harder, resulting in hard-fought, solid points. After completing one of their toughest yet most satisfying matches to date, both Noori and Avril should be proud of their gargantuan efforts. A lot was learned today as our team continues to grow along with its confidence.

Maya and Neha: While Maya and Neha took a while to warm up to their opponents' strokes and strong presence at the net, they built on their game experience to learn about the strategies across the court from them. In the second set, Neha and Maya stroked the ball with increased confidence as the other team conceded numerous points to them. It was rewarding to witness both of our players learning from their missteps in the first set. In particular, Maya and Neha's footwork and overall shot anticiption improved s the match evolved. Running like a gazelle in the backcourt, Maya was able to connect with an endless number of deep, wide balls. This was a fun second set to watch!
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Match played at George School on 09/21/21GFS

Maya: this was a match that Maya knew would be a difficult one at best. Maya worked very hard at playing a game that was unpredictable, adjusting between groundstrokes that had a low margin for error and others that were deep with heavy topspin. She was able to rely on strong service games and was able to be unpredictable coming in often to break up the points. Despite not being able to pull out a win, having watched this matchup, both players were equally capable in their expertise, the strength of their game, and their determination and focus to implement a strategy that would work well for them. In the end Maya came up just short of a win, but this was no reflection of the caliber of her tennis in this match and her focus and discipline throughout each point.

Leena: this was Leena‘s first match back after being sidelined with an injury for many weeks. Despite her disappointment with this outcome, as a team we were so very proud and grateful that Leena was out there fighting for us as a team with her extraordinary talent and strength. Her ground strokes were flawless as she was able to move the ball around and keep her opponent on her heels with deep shots. In the end it came down to foot work and movement which will be an easy adjustment for Leena as she continues to work hard to get back to her game.

Arshi: Arshi continues to be a model of strength and focus and discipline as she works to get her game on track to be consistent and as strong as it is during practice. Her foot work and her energy are unparalleled, and now it is the journey of matching her confidence and mental strength to her physical talent. Arshi‘s determination, grit and beautiful positive attitude is the reason why she is a captain on this team and a role model for us all!