The Cougars are hoping to repeat as South Jersey Group IV champions after winning the title in 2015.
Cherry Hill East girls’ tennis 2016 season preview
Last season: Cherry Hill East had an outstanding 2015 season, finishing the year with a 20–2 record. The Cougars won the South Jersey Group IV championship, 3–2, over Lenape. Their postseason run ended in the New Jersey Group IV semifinals when they lost a tight match, 3–2, to Montgomery.
Returning Players: Twin sisters Stephanie and Natalie Yanasov are both expected to be key contributors as they enter their senior seasons. Stephanie was undefeated during the regular season in 2015 for Cherry Hill East at first singles. Natalie played well at first doubles last year and could move up to singles in 2016. Last year’s second doubles team of senior Sarah Jang and junior Rebekah Colacot is also back. The pair went undefeated in 2015 for the Cougars.
New Players: The Cougars will pick up some youth with freshman Pallavi Goculdas, a player head coach Mary Jewett believes will be strong out of the gate. A number of juniors are looking to make the leap up to varsity, including Jocelynne Doroton, Mattea Boyarasky and Aditi Lohita. All three of them played well at the JV level last season.
Key games: The Cougars are scheduled to play in the Moorestown Classic tournament the weekend of Sept. 10. The tournament features many of the top girls’ tennis teams in South Jersey. Cherry Hill East will face off with Lenape at home on Sept. 15 and on the road Oct. 17 in rematches of the last three South Jersey Group IV championships matches.
Season outlook: Jewett has high expectations for her team this season and feels they can improve on last year’s 20–2 record. The Cougars have appeared in five consecutive South Jersey Group IV championship matches, winning the sectional title in 2011, 2013 and 2015. Jewett feels Cherry Hill East as the talent to defend its sectional title in 2016.
