HHS girls looking for a threepeat
BY WARREN RAPPLEYEA Staff Writer
The Holmdel High School girls tennis team will be looking to win its third straight Shore Conference Tournament championship when the competition begins this afternoon.

Thus far, Holmdel has defeated Manasquan 4-1 and scored 5-0 triumphs over several teams, including Red Bank Regional, Raritan and Red Bank Catholic. A year ago the Hornets posted a 16-4 record, finished tied for second in their division after capturing the crown for three successive campaigns. Holmdel also finished second behind Manasquan on the Monmouth County Tournament and reached the semifinals of the NJSIAA North II Group III tourney where they lost to West Morris/Mendham.

"We have a solid number one player and a lot of depth," the coach explained. "Any of our singles players or doubles teams can be very competitive against just about anyone."

The emergence of freshman sensation Karolina Wojciak at first singles has been a boon for Holmdel. Wojciak boasts a strong background and excellent reach and she has parlayed that into a 4-1 mark.

At second singles junior Anne Chen earned the starting nod after playing an undefeated season at second doubles a year ago with partner Stephanie Huang. Chen, 5-0, is a steady baseline player who wears opponents down by keeping the ball in play.

Jen Lee, who played first doubles last fall, holds down the third singles spot. The aggressive junior loves to come to the net and her height is a big plus in close. Lee is undefeated in five matches.

"With two doubles players playing singles this year I think this is a feistier team," Chelednik said. "Both of those girls are determined to show they belong at singles and the results speak for themselves."

Linda Hong returns to anchor first doubles along with Lisa Yan. The duo is 5-0 thanks to their complimentary styles, with Hong playing a consistent baseline game and Yan, a junior who owns an excellent serve, attacking the net.

Chelednik also paired a holdover, Huang, at second doubles with Morgan Chen, at second doubles. Huang's best weapon is an accurate backhand, while Chen, who saw some times as a doubles player last season, plays off the forehand. The tandem is also 5-0.

In addition, Holmdel has a large group of talented players vying for playing time. Juniors Dorrie Lee and Kathy Tsai are currently the team's third doubles pair and Chelednik said he plans to use them at second on occasion. Sophomore Erica Lai and freshman Jessica Sher comprise a fourth set of doubles players.

"We're looking forward to the Shore tourney because it would be quite an accomplishment to win it again," Chelednik said. "It won't be easy, but that's certainly one of our goals. Another is to reclaim the division title and we'd like to go farther in the state sectionals.

Following its Shore game this afternoon, Holmdel returns to action on Thursday when Shore Regional comes to town. The Hornets visit Raritan on Friday and will begin play in the Monmouth County Tournament on Saturday.