Kennedy Tennis Team Will Rely Heavily on Youngsters

SOMERS—With just two girls returning from last year’s team, the Kennedy Catholic girls tennis team is entering the season looking to rebuild their program. It wasn’t too long ago that the Gaels were league champs, but after a 6-4 record last year they are looking to get back to where they once were.

“Last year we came off a rebuilding year, and now I’m back to the rebuilding,” coach Frank Zappoli said. “It’s a development year, I have a lot of young talent so it’s nice to get them the experience of playing and set up for next year, not that I’m writing off this year.”

Of the seven girls on this year’s team, only Shannon Donahue and Jacqueline Descloux have varsity experience. With five newcomers on the roster Zappoli will rely on those two provide leadership and help the younger girls along as the season progresses.

Joining Donahue and Descloux will be Alyssa Degrandi, Michelle Modico, Coleen Nestler, Amanda Peters and Coleen Cahill.

While most of the girls lack experience, Zappoli is excited with how far the team has come along in the offseason.

“They’re a blank slate,” Zappoli said. “They’re having fun and they’re learning a lot, I’m actually impressed with how much they’ve learned already. They’re a good group so I’m enjoying working with them.”

The Gaels will compete in League 1-D against Peekskill, North Salem, Haldane and Pawling.

“I think that they’ll be competitive in the division that we’re in,” Zappoli said. “A lot of the teams are in a similar position to what we’re in, we’re all in the same boat.”

The Gaels will play all of their matches on the road this season, starting on September 7, at North Salem at 4:30.