Update (November 6): The Peddie junior varsity girls tennis team (13-0-1) defeated Blair Academy, 5-0, at home for Peddie-Blair Day in the last match of the season and earned the first point for the Falcons for the Kelley-Potter Cup.
With their season rounding up to an end, Peddie’s girls junior varsity tennis team has so far remained undefeated, with only one match left (Blair!). Be mindful that the team will not be playing Blair on Blair Day but instead at home on Wednesday, November 6, at 3:00 p.m. — so be sure to come down to the courts and support the team! This will be one of the first Blair matches, and it’s imperative that the Peddie Falcons show their spirit!
The incredible season of the GJV team is marked by a series of all wins and one tie with Lawrenceville; the team has consistently performed very well at each match, winning multiple matches without dropping a single game (4-0, or in some cases, 5-0). This year’s team overall is very strong, with as many seasoned returners as well as new and promising players. However, no matter the skill level, the team is marked by the companionship of its players as well as love for the sport. If a player isn’t participating in a game — perhaps already having finished theirs — you can be sure to find them cheering on their teammates from the sidelines.
While it may not seem like it, tennis is a wholeheartedly team sport. Usually, players are paired together and play doubles together, while occasionally a player might play by herself in singles, though this is rare. Players don’t play with the same partner every single time either, so most of the time, a single player will get to know multiple other players. Playing 2v2 matches requires teamwork and communication between the two players and can be both challenging and immensely rewarding no matter the outcome. Additionally, each individual match contributes to the overall score of the team, so even if players aren’t necessarily playing together on the same court, everyone’s performance counts.
This can be seen with practices as well — usually, practices consist of scrimmages (which are again mostly 2v2) and occasionally drills. During practice, the lineup is even more fluid; players can experience playing with many other players, contributing to the team dynamic and elevating practice and skills. Other times, players can participate in fun games that help with team bonding and just give the practice a splash of good times and lightheartedness; and even other times, there are drills, team lifts, etc.
As such, team spirit is always high, whether during practices or matches, and each member of the team demonstrates their commitment and love for the sport every day. On the team culture and the importance of playing together, Chloé Cheng ’27 said, “We always push each other to be better and grow as players. Being on a team gives us an even bigger group goal to work towards and contribute to, and I’ve ended up creating really close friendships that continue long past the ends of the seasons.” Angelina Morales ’27 seconded this: “Playing both singles and doubles on the Peddie girls tennis team for the last two years has allowed me to experience both a vibrant and friendly team culture that is quite unique.”
Looking ahead, the team is eager to keep up the stellar performance at their final match of the year at Blair! When surveyed, multiple team members expressed their excitement for the final match and discussed their hopes to keep up their stellar record.
A full run-through of the team’s season, as well as an introduction of the team’s coaches, can be found here on the Peddie website.
