The competition got Smoked this year, as Manasquan senior Tahlia Smoke became the first Warriors player to win an individual NJSIAA Singles Tournament title when she finished the season a perfect 30-0 on her way to a school-record 110 career wins. On the team side, the squad to beat, as usual, was Holmdel, which went 21-1 and unbeaten against Shore Conference competition. Led by first singles player Karolina Wojciak and the doubles tandem of Linda Hong and Lisa Yan, the Hornets were undefeated until running into state power Millburn in a sectional final. Click on the first-team performers for bios and videos.
*DigitalSports Girls Tennis Player of the Year*
Tahlia Smoke, Sr. - Manasquan
First team
Karolina Wojciak, Fr. - Holmdel
Alexis Donner, Jr. - Wall
Carly Graver, Jr. - Wall
Nicole Lippens, Jr. - Shore
Brooke Verdiglione, So. - St. John Vianney
Lauren and Lindsay Balsamo, Jr.-Fr. (doubles) - WallCoach of the Year
Anthony Nardino, WallIn his 10th season as head coach, Nardino helped the Crimson Knights reach new heights, including winning the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III title as well as the Class B North title. Nardino also steered Wall into its first appearance in the Shore Conference Tournament final, where the Crimson Knights dropped a 3-2 nailbiter to Holmdel. With a team that includes DigitalSports Legends of the Fall performers Alexis Donner, Carly Graver and the state-champion doubles team of sisters Lauren and Lindsay Balsamo, who all return next season, this may only be the beginning for the Knights.
Team of the Year
HolmdelDespite losing some tremendous players to tennis academies and the USTA circuit, the Hornets reloaded and repeated as Shore Conference Tournament champions with a 3-2 win over Wall. They did not lose a match until running into perennial state power Millburn in the North Jersey II, Group III final, capturing the Class A Central title in the process.