Episcopal Academy girls tennis team enjoyed a special championship season

The Episcopal Academy girls’ tennis team enjoyed a special championship season last fall, going undefeated in the Inter-Ac and winning the PAISAA tournament title as well.

The Churchwomen, who compiled a 19-1 record (12-0 Inter-Ac), won their sixth consecutive Inter-Ac title (there was no Inter-Ac title competition in 2020).

“This was a special season,” said EA girls’ tennis head coach Whit Powell. “I was very proud of the girls, especially the seniors and captains (Izzy Rozes and Shelby Pasternack) who always had the team ready to play. It is difficult to take every school’s best shot every match and maintain the high level of focus and performance throughout a grueling season. This team played more matches and won more matches than any team in Episcopal tennis history.

“I’m particularly proud of the seniors who never lost an Inter-Ac match in 4 years. We have an awesome tennis history at Episcopal. Most importantly, they are awesome kids, great students and fantastic teammates. I was fortunate and lucky to be involved with his tremendous group of student-athletes.”

EA had a deep roster that featured both experienced veterans and promising underclassmen.

All three of EA’s regular singles players received first team All-Inter-Ac selection. At first singles was senior Kamora Helton, who has committed to playing tennis for Providence College.

“Kamora is a tremendous athlete, and I’ll be excited to follow her in college at Providence,” said Powell. “She’s a really hard worker, she loves to compete and she cares a ton!”

At second singles was sophomore Avery Morris, who posted a 16-2 record (one of the losses was at first singles against Conestoga).

“Avery grew a ton this year in the second singles spot,” said Powell. “She has outstanding talent, a huge serve and a big forehand. She’s growing as a competitor and finding ways to win.”

At third singles was junior Carter Yearly, who posted an 18-1 record (only loss was at second singles against Conestoga).

“Carter is rock-solid, she never stressed about her matches, she’s a great athlete and competitor,” said Powell. “She has a really strong mental game from her experience on the golf course — little things don’t bother her. I’m excited to see her grow into a leader.”

EA’s first doubles team of Rozes (19-0) and freshman Olivia Olson (17-0) received first team All-Inter-Ac honors

“Izzy is a mentor and leader, and an outstanding captain, along with Shelby; she’s always positive and quietly confident,” said Powell. “Olivia has tons of talent for a freshman. Due to the talent in singles, she played doubles with Izzy and became a dominant force on court. The skills she learned in doubles will translate in future years). She is very coachable and wants to improve every day.”

The Churchwomen’s second doubles team of Pasternack (13-6) and junior Melanie Kryukov (15-4) received second team All-Inter-Ac recognition.

“Shelby is the pulse and heartbeat of the team,” said Powell. “She always cared more about team success than herself. She was the team cheerleader and emotional compass. Melanie was new to the varsity level and expectation this season, but provided a solid partner for Shelby. She used her length and ground strokes to their advantage.”