Haddonfield loss in tennis Tournament of Champions doesn't diminish achievements

It's easy to focus on what the Haddonfield girls' tennis team didn't do this season: Repeat as Tournament of Champions winners.

But a 3-2 loss to Red Bank Catholic in the T of C semifinals shouldn't diminish what the Bulldogs were able to accomplish this season and during a remarkable two-year run at the top of state tennis.

Haddonfield went 31-1 this season, after going 32-0 in 2009.

The Bulldogs also have won three consecutive Group 2 state titles.

"Naturally, the outcome of this year's Tournament of Champions was disappointing," Haddonfield coach Jeff Holman said.

"Looking at the last four seasons, though, any objective observer would conclude that the seniors who formed the core of the team were one of the most accomplished groups of athletes in the history of our school."

Haddonfield's senior class led the way through one of the best eras in the rich history of the program.

Spencer Ng set a program record for career victories with a 140-23 mark.

She was 33-4 this season.

Martha Theodoris went 29-4 this season and 136-19 in her career.

Meghan Burns was 35-2 this season and 128-24 in her career.

Taylor Noll was 88-10 in her career.

"The best thing about the last two years was just the way we related to each other as a team and the way we got to know players from other teams," Spencer Ng said.

"It was a great experience for all of us."

Haddonfield will miss its seniors, but the Bulldogs will be strong again in 2011.

Sophomore No. 1 singles Taylor Ng, who was 39-4 this season and has a 79-9 career mark, is scheduled to return.

The Bulldogs also should return junior doubles players Catherine Senopoulos (37-2 this season, 122-6 career) and Rebecca Senopoulos (32-1, 105-10) as well as freshman doubles player Victoria Martinez (34-1).

In addition, freshmen Amanda Lanciano (16-1) and Erica Pascocello (14-0) are projected to make major impacts next season.