The Richmond Hill High School boys and girls tennis team sealed the deal to compete at the state level after a recent string of victories. This marks the third year in a row the girls have made it to state while it is the tenth year in a row for the boys program.

They were heavy underdogs going into the season, but managed to win the key games including a tremendous performance at the Regional Playoffs with wins over Thomson and St. Vincent’s, both by a 4-1 margin.

Emily Stephens zeroed in for a third set win at No. 1 singles. Stephens’ match was marked by excellent net play and won through determination. Fiona Baer played her best match of the year. She went for the big shots and ran down passing shots. Fiona took the second singles point in two sets. Sofia Donleavy, at No. 3 singles, played a superb first match, struggled in the second and ended up on top of a great three-setter.

No. 1 doubles team of Emily Li and Christina Rodriguez showed that they have arrived as a threat in the State Playoffs. They won easily in two sets with Emily showing her prowess at the net and Christina blasting winners from the baseline. No. 2 doubles of Nicole Dupasquier and Lauren Trivitayakum faced a strong duo and bowed out after two sets.

The girls travel to Region 1 next week. Their opponent hasn’t been determined yet, but with the improvement made and the level of maturity shown, hopes are to move on in the playoffs.

The boys tennis team won the Region for the sixth straight year and are qualified for State Playoffs for the tenth straight year. They are currently ranked #7 and are projected to have a clear shot at the Final Four. They were undefeated throughout the Region and moved into #1 State Seed via a forfeit from Harlem. They will host the first three rounds of the playoffs.

"We’re ready," Coach Pat Paruso said. "The guys got by this year on talent and are ready to play up." "The girls had to fight and scrap for everything, I’m very proud of both teams."