Backhands and forehands: Cape Cod High School Girls Tennis All-Scholastic Team
The Cape Cod girls tennis players were serving, literally, all season long. There were nine teams that made the MIAA state tournament, with three teams (Cape Cod Academy, St. John Paul II, Monomoy) coming in as top 10 seeds.
The St. John Paul II Lions were the lone team to make the Elite Eight (Division 4), before suffering only their second loss of the season (18-2) to the hands of Lenox Memorial.
Monomoy, Cape Cod Academy and Martha's Vineyard all made Sweet Sixteen appearances.
With team success comes individual talent, and Cape Cod had plenty of that. Whether it's a serve, ace or drop shot, these players left their mark on the court.
Presenting the girls tennis All-Scholastic 2023 team:
First Team
Isabella “Bella” Scioletti, Cape Cod Academy
In her sophomore season at second singles, Scioletti had an 11-1 league record and a 14-2 divisional record. Her most memorable moment was playing against Sturgis West, and the score was 9-10 going into the third set.
“I hit a beautiful forehand shot to the back left corner and won the match. She beat me 6-3 6-7 the last match too, so it was a huge comeback,” Scioletti said.
She also plays golf, basketball, and is a part of the community service club and art club. Scioletti also went out of her way to start a volleyball club at CCA.
“Bella is a fierce competitor,” Cape Cod Academy coach Nana Stankova said. “She has a deep desire to work hard, adapt and always seeks ways to improve and strengthen her game.”
Lili Shanahan, Cape Cod Academy
The sophomore played at first singles and earned the MVP award for the third straight season with an 11-1 league record and a 14-2 division record.
She enjoyed the bus rides to games and hanging with her teammates the most this season. She is involved in the community service organization, the lower school CO-OP, and the GSA.
“Lili Shanahan is a player who never gives up and will fight 'til the end,” Stankova said. “She’s mentally strong and resilient.”
Alexis Christian, Falmouth
Christian is a sophomore who played first doubles for the Clippers and went 15-1 in the overall season and 9-1 in the League.
Her most memorable moment of the season came during a match against CCA when she fell trying to get a ball and skinned her knee. Despite that, she came back and won the match. Christian also plays in the marching band.
“She hits the ball with power and knows doubles strategy very well,” Falmouth Coach Kara Pease said. “Her top wins this year were against Cape Cod Academy, Martha’s Vineyard and Monomoy.”
Sadie Inman, Falmouth
Inman finished her junior season with a League record of 7-3 at second doubles and third singles. Her favorite moment of the season was against Cape Academy because the matches were competitive, and Inman thinks that was the best the Clippers played all season. The 3-2 win over CCA crowned the Seahawks undefeated league champions.
“We celebrated with cupcakes and blasted music on the bus ride home. It was an amazing last day of tennis,” Inman said.
Inman volunteers at the Falmouth Service Center every Wednesday for two hours during the fall/winter. She is also a member of the Falmouth Cultural Council, which supports community-based arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences. Although she has one more year of high school, she hopes to attend a college for nursing in the future.
“Her top wins this year was defeating Nauset's second doubles team, and Sandwich's third singles player. Sadie is a clean hitter and very focused on the court,” Pease said.
Rachel Larsen, Falmouth
Larsen ended her last high school season with a 10-0 record in second doubles and third singles. She held an individual record of 15-1.
“She is an extremely quick player on the court and raises her game when she faces a tougher opponent,” Pease said.
Maia Ledwell, Falmouth
Ledwell was a freshman this season, but that didn’t stop her from having a 15-1 overall record and a 9-1 League record at first doubles. She is also a part of Clippers for Change Club and her most memorable moment of the season was her and Alexis Christian's last game.
“Maia is a competitor and wants to win very badly,” Pease said. “She attacks the ball fiercely.” She loves to blast backhands and serves. Her top wins were against MV, Bishop Fenwick, and Monomoy.”
Genevieve Maranchie, Falmouth
The sophomore captain played second singles and went 10-0 in the Cape Cod League. Maranchie's most memorable times during the season was having good support from her team. Maranchie plays other sports during the school year, volunteers at the Sports Center and helps teach tennis to fifth and sixth graders.
“She is an all-court player who can rally, serve and volley, and apply strategy when needed,” Pease said. “Genevieve’s love for the game is contagious and spreads through to her teammates.”
Caroline Moskal, Falmouth
Moskal finished her senior season with a conference record of 8-2 at first singles. During her three years at Falmouth, she only had losses to Martha’s Vineyard at first singles.
Her favorite moment of the season was doing a Round Robin team tournament with the boys team for fun. Moskal is also in the marching band, on the math team, and does ski racing. She plans on going to Cornell University to study mechanical engineering.
“Caroline is a patient player who is extremely mentally strong,” Pease said. “She sets a strong example for her entire team.”
Cali Giglio, Martha’s Vineyard
The two-year captain is a two-time Cape and Islands Atlantic Division MVP at first singles, and finished with a 17-2 record. She led her team to three MIAA state tournaments and has a 51-4 over three seasons.
“Amazing leader and cares about all members on the team,” Martha’s Vineyard head coach Bill Rigali said. “She has excellent organizational skills and stepped up big time as the school was getting its feet back on the ground when the COVID shutdown ended.“
Her most memorable moment of the season was helping mentor the new players on the team and watching a lot of them start on the varsity team. Outside of tennis, Giglio has her hand in a lot. She plays field hockey, golf, the guitar, and is a part of the Student Council, Interact Club, Food Pantry, is a tennis instructor, and likes snowboarding. In the fall, she will attend the College of Charleston in South Caroline where she hopes to study exercise science. She also plans on playing club tennis.
Christie Beckley, Monomoy
Captain Christie Beckley went 13-3 at first doubles. Her favorite match this season was against St. John Paul II where she played first doubles with Hanadi Rezek.
“We had a slow start but ended up miraculously catching up and moving to a tie-breaker, which we won. It was a long and challenging match, so when we won at the end, it was very (much) a bonding moment as a team,” Beckley said.
Throughout high school, Beckley was the president of the MRHS Key Club, co-captain of the Mock Trial Team, and was vice president of her grade. She also ran cross country during the fall and played the flute for the school band. She plans to study biology at Harvard University this fall.
“Starting for the Sharks since eighth grade, Christie competed at both first doubles and at various singles positions throughout the season, making her our most versatile player,” Monomoy coach Bill Burke said. “Christie mentored the young players on the team and her team spirit boosted the entire squad.”
Lillian "Lilly" Gould, Monomoy
Gould is a junior who played at second singles for the second straight season. Individually, Gould went 14–4 on the season, including two impressive wins against Cape & Islands Atlantic Division champs Falmouth. Her most memorable moment from the season was the team dinner the Sharks had before the playoffs.
“It was a great experience to have with the team, and a relaxing event to have before getting serious with playoffs,” Gould said.
When she is not on the court playing tennis, she is with the Interact Club, chess club or jazz band at Monomoy. She also participates in the pit band and is an avid member of the Chatham Town Band.
“She has an established power game along with a Zen-like demeanor,” Burke said. “Lilly will be a force to be reckoned with next year in her senior year as her game continues to improve with consistency, power and the ability to win points in different ways.”
Jocelyn White, Monomoy
In just her second season with the Sharks, senior White had an individual record of 14-4 at third singles. Her most memorable moment was a close loss (3-2) against Falmouth.
“We really came together and were able to beat them (3-2) a few days later,” White said.
She also likes biking, skiing and interns at Chatham Elementary School. She will be heading to Florida State University in the fall.
“Jocelyn’s superb serve and powerful well-placed groundstrokes beat opponents down,” Burke said. “Jocelyn also filled in at the second and first singles positions, as well as first doubles when the team needed her. For the past two seasons, I’ve had the privilege of watching artistry in motion with a player who combined a ferocious approach with near perfect mechanics and form.”
Bridget Moran, St. John Paul II
In her junior season, Moran alternated between first doubles and third singles, after playing second doubles previously. She played a key role in the Lions reaching the Division 4 Elite Eight in the MIAA state tourney. Her favorite moment was winning the Cape and Islands League. Moran also plays basketball.
“Bridget’s admirable sacrifice and dedication to her team have led an example to build camaraderie among her peers,” JPII coach Courtney West said. “This year she is stepping up from second doubles last year and taking in the victories for the SJPII team.”
Lily Walker, St. John Paul II
Although she is only a sophomore, Walker set the Lions' tone the first half of the season with an 8-0 first and second singles, and the Lions went 7-1 during that time. JPII finished with one of the best seasons in school history with a 18-2 record. Her favorite moments came from off the court, such as team dinners and taking the boat to play Nantucket. She also does cross country and likes skiing.
“Lily has led her team as our teams’ prayer leader and has demonstrated what it means to be a leader on and off the courts,” West said.
Sydney Faranetta, Sturgis East
Faranetta is a junior who plays third singles for the Storm. She started off the season 7-2 and helped the Storm to the postseason as the 23rd seed in the Div. 4 MIAA state tourney, despite Sturgis East finishing the regular season 4-8. Her most memorable moment was against Monomoy. She had the lead on her opponent in the first set, but they made an incredible comeback.
“It was the closest game I’ve ever played, but fortunately I was able to pull through with a win,” Faranetta said.
Farnetta plays a role in many clubs at Sturgis that include the cinema club, Girls in Science Club, math team, and Students of Color Coalition. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games and drawing in her sketchbook.
“Sydney is a very consistent player, able to get to the ball and keep it in play for a steady rally,” Sturgis East coach Dia Prantis said. “Additionally, Sydney has been a player who can come back from losing the first set and take a win in a tie-break. Not only is Sydney a focused player in competition, she also succeeds in excellent comportment on the court.”
Jillian Burdge, Sturgis West
Burdge finished her varsity high school career with a 43-0 record for the Navigators.
"I have not heard (of) that before," Sturgis West head coach Heather Murphy said. "Every time she plays with such great sportsmanship and class, there's never a question about her integrity."
Her most memorable moment?
"The match that I played against the Monomoy first singles (Tatiana) where it was a really close match and I came back when I was down by a few games in the set," she said. When she is not working on her tennis game, Burdge plays field hockey, likes skiing and is a part of Care for the Cape, MARCH, art club, and Her Future Club. She will be attending UMass Amherst in the Honors College, while majoring in Animal Science with a pre-vet track.
Second Team
Zoe Ridl, Bourne
In her first season at first singles, junior Ridl finished with six wins. She was named a South Coast Conference all-star and was awarded the SCC Sportsmanship Award as well.
“Zoe is loaded with raw talent,” Bourne coach Andrew Arki said. “She plays a complete game and is equipped with a variety of shots, including a very strong first serve. She is one of my captains and mostly leads by example. She is quiet off the court but tenacious on the court and has a competitive edge that I have rarely seen in a tennis player.”
Evelyn Brewer, Martha’s Vineyard
Brewer made the jump from second doubles to second singles in her senior year as captain and posted an 11-7 record. For her overall varsity career, she finished 35-15. She will attend the University of Southern California in LA.
“She showed great mental toughness,“ Rigali said.
Andrea Morse, Martha’s Vineyard
In her senior year as captain, like her teammate Brewer, Morse made a jump from first doubles to third singles and finished 10-8. She ended her varsity career 39-13. She will join teammate Giglio at the College of Charleston.
“She is a versatile all-court player and is an excellent leader for helping new players adjust to learn concepts,” Rigali said.
Mariele Henley, Mashpee
Henley is a sophomore who played at first singles and had a 10-8 record. She has been on the varsity team since the eighth grade. She had three wins last year and zero in 2021.
“Mariele is a true warrior on the court, and she has faced some formidable opponents this year and has consistently battled through many long rallies every match,” Mashpee head coach Effie Purdy said. “Despite being small in stature, she plays with exceptional stamina, has a strong desire to succeed, agility, and mental toughness. I call her the ultimate "Energizer Bunny."
Hannah Rogers, Mashpee
After playing competitive tennis for the first time a year ago, Rogers played at third singles and first doubles in her sophomore campaign this season and ended with a 10-8 record. She lost two of the singles matches because she subbed in for a teammate who was injured.
“Hannah is willing to go the extra mile and put in the effort needed to succeed every day,” Purdy said. “In every team huddle it is Hannah who came up with the team slogan "All Out, All Game, All Season." She is highly committed and exhibits very aggressive play and is very resilient despite the end tally. She is a natural leader on and off the court.”
Hannah Gerardi, Nantucket
The junior led her team in wins this season with 11, in her first season at third singles after previously playing at second doubles.
“Worked off season on her game, is mentally tough and consistent, and transitioned to singles very well,” Thornhill said. “She was critical for team wins, and an inspiration to others by her level of improvement over the course of the season.”
Nicole Boyce, Nauset
The junior played at the number one spot in singles, and helped the Warriors to a 9-8 record.
“Over the course of the past three years, Nicole has continued to improve her game,” Nauset coach Kathleen Tringale said. “She is determined, exceptionally diligent during practice, and takes time out of season to continue to improve her game.”
Jill Ernstrom, Nauset
The junior played at second doubles, and helped the Warriors to the 34th seed in the MIAA state tournament.
“Jill is a very focused athlete and her natural tennis ability and aggressive play at the net makes for a great doubles partner,” Tringale said.
Honorable Mention
Sophie Davis, Barnstable
Sofia Tymchyshyn, Barnstable
Olivia Boyer, Dennis-Yarmouth
Sophia Balsas, Martha’s Vineyard
Ellie Pennington, Martha’s Vineyard
Lauren Cutone, Nantucket
Joan Harris, Nantucket
Grace Rothera, Sandwich
Martina Garcia Raya, Sturgis East
Contact Courtney Jacobs at cjacobs@capecodonline.com. Follow him on Twitter: @CJ_Journalist
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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Cape Cod Times high school girls tennis All-Scholastic Team for 2023
