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​​​All - State players - Adrienne Amato '88, '89


Westies defeated by Guilford
Indians post 6-1 victory
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 23, 2012)
– The West Haven girls’ tennis team traveled to Guilford looking to snap a four-match losing streak. Unfortunately for West Haven, the Indians did not comply. 
Winning only once in doubles play, the Westies fell to Guilford 6-1. With the loss, West Haven dropped to 1-6 on the year. 

















Rosita Laureano. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
In singles play, Rosita Laureano fell at the top slot to Kristen Forscher 6-0, 6-0, Rania Abu-Sitteh lost to Anna Babbin as the second seed 6-0, 6-0 and third-seeded Shannon Card fell to Amanda Lynn 6-2, 6-0. Fourth-seeded Marla Gagne lost to Ritika Makhijani 6-0, 6-3. 
In doubles action, top-seeded Alyssa Perez and Kara Patterson were defeated by Meg Goodrich and Kelly Sobolewski 6-2, 6-0 and second-seeded Mikayla McLaughlin and Jessica Kuchta fell to Lucy Haskell and Madeline Montenegro 6-1, 6-0. 
Third-seeded Talon Yahaya and Cindy Nguyen were the only victors. The pair defeated Jessica Martin and Melissa Yanbul in the toughest match of the day, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.

Hornets defeat West Haven
Westies fall 6-1
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 18, 2012) –
 The West Haven girls’ tennis team was looking to get back on the winning track. Unfortunately for the Westies, Branford had other ideas.
Winning only once on doubles play, West Haven fell to Branford 6-1 at West Haven Wednesday afternoon. 


















Shannon Card. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
“All the girls are improving and playing really hard,” West Haven coach Kara Kaczynski said after her team fell to 1-5. “I am very proud of them.”
In singles play, top-seeded Rosita Laureano fell to Jenny Liu 6-1, 6-1, Alyssa Perez fell to Julia Watsky 6-0, 6-0 and third-seeded Shannon Card lost to Zhannetta Khoultchaeva 6-0, 6-4. Marla Gagne fell in the fourth slot to Tally Sepot 6-0, 6-1.
In doubles play, Kara Patterson and Amalia Mohd lost to Kathryn Collins and Kayleen Kessler 6-2, 6-1 and Mikayla McLaughlin and Mohd fell to Jocelyn Giordano and Seyoung Lim 6-0, 6-4.
West Haven’s only victory came in the third slot of doubles play. Talon Yahaya and Cindy Nguyen defeated Amanda Mauriello and Jackie Wells 6-2, 3-6 and 7-5 in a tiebreaker for the third set.  

Westies fall to Pacers
SHA dominates in 7-0 victory
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 17, 2012) –
 The West Haven girls’ tennis team headed to Hamden, knowing it was in for a battle against Sacred Heart Academy. That thought was proved to be correct as the Pacers shut out the Westies 7-0. With the loss, West Haven fell to 1-4 on the year. 
The Pacers dominated most of the match, posting five shutouts, including each match in singles play. Top-seeded Rosita Laureano fell for West Haven, 6-0, 6-0 against Caleigh Curren and second-seeded Alyssa Perez fell 6-0, 6-0 against Alexis Egidio. Lauren Zorena defeated Shannon Card 6-0, 6-0 and Claudia Krah defeated Linda Sihaphong 6-0, 6-0. 
In doubles play, Kara Patterson and Amalia Mohd fell to Victoria Ryan and Xenia Zueva 6-0, 6-2. Second-seeded Mikayla McLaughlin and Miya Bidon fell to Dee Dee Hughes and Julia Mocciola 6-0, 6-0 and third-seeded Talon Yahaya and Cindy Nguyen lost to Jenna Fortunati and Margaret Mirabella 6-2, 6-1.  

Westies fall to Law
Loss drops West Haven to 1-3
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 13, 2012) – 
The West Haven girls’ tennis team traveled to Milfordand came up empty as the Eagles defeated West Haven 6-1 Friday afternoon. Despite playing in close matches, West Haven was only able to pull out a victory in doubles play.


















Jo-Jo Ankrah. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.

Second-seeded Kara Patterson and Amalia Mohd defeated Melissa Meahan and Hebani Duggal 6-1, 4-6, 7-5. Law won the other doubles matches as top-seeded Olivia Noyes and Danielle Novak defeated Jessica Kuchta and Mikayla McLaughlin 6-1, 6-0 and third-seeded Sravya Jaladanki and Kate Brady defeated Talon Yahaya and Cindy Nguyen 6-1, 6-2. 
In singles play, top-seed Rosita Laureano fell to Anita Lidman 6-4, 6-2 and second-seeded Jo-Jo Ankrah fell to Marisa Perce 6-3, 6-3. Rania Abu-Sitteh fell as the third seed, 6-2, 6-1, against Lianne Maynard and the fourth seed, Shannon Card, fell to Bhavani Jaladanki 5-7, 6-2, 6-2.

Westies fall to Lyman Hall
Only victories come in singles play
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
After picking up its first win of the season, the West Haven girls’ tennis team looked to extend the streak Wednesday afternoon when the Westies hosted Lyman Hall. Unfortunately for West Haven, the outcome was not what they had hoped.
Winning just a pair of singles matches, the Westies fell to Lyman Hall 5-2. With the loss, West Haven fell to 1-2 on the season.
In singles play, Rosita Laureano won as the top seed, defeating Sam Libby 6-3, 7-5. Second-seeded Jo-Jo Ankrah fell to Izzy Fishbein-Ouimette 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 and third-seeded Rania Abu-Sitteh defeated Sarah Pascale 6-2, 2-6, 7-6. Shannon Card was defeated in the fourth slot by Erika Fulton 6-0, 6-1.
















Jessica Kuchta. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
“Rania Abu-Sitteh played great, winning her first match” West Haven coach Kara Kaczynski said. “Also, we had great singles splay by Rosita Laureano and Jo-Jo Ankrah.”
In doubles play, the top seed of Alyssa Perez and Kara Patterson fell to Emily Newhard and Krista Peterson 6-3, 7-5. Second-seeded Jessica Kuchta and Mikayla McLaughlin lost to Laura Brooks and Rachel Harlon 6-3, 6-4 and third-seeded Talon Yahaya and Cindy Nguyen fell to Ally Hackett and Emma Sears 6-0, 6-2.

Double the Fun
West Haven picks up first victory of year as doubles teams sweep
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 9, 2012) – 
The West Haven girls’ tennis team picked up its first victory of the year Monday afternoon. Sweeping all three matches in doubles play, the Westies defeated Career 4-3 at West Haven.
“All the girls put in great efforts,” West Haven coach Kara Kaczynski said.
In doubles play, top-seeded Alyssa Perez and Kara Patterson defeated Aleena Karni and Theresa Pinero 6-3, 2-6, 6-1. Second-seeded Jessica Kuchta and Mikayla McLaughlin beat Kierra Turnbull and Yumna Elansteary 6-2, 6-4 and third-seeded Talon Yahaya and Cindy Nguyen defeated Dina Sami and Aline Bendetti 6-4, 6-0.
In singles action, top-seeded Rosita Laureano picked up West Haven’s lone victory as she won 6-2, 7-5. Jo Jo Ankara fell at the second slot to Stephanie Thy, 6-2, 6-1 and third-seeded Rania Abu-Sitteh fell to Marie Toulouse 6-3, 7-5. Shannon Card rounded out singles action with a 7-6, 6-0 loss to Kimberly Catubig.

Westies fall in Opener
East Haven wins 6-1
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
Waiting a day to start the 2012 season, the West Haven girl’s tennis team fell to East Haven 6-1 in East Haven. With coach Kara Kaczynski’s team battling for positions on the squad, East Haven proved to be too much, winning most matches in convincing fashion.
West Haven’s only victory came in singles play as Shannon Card defeated Natasha Buskey 2-6, 7-5, 7-3. In other singles play, top-seeded Rosita Laureano fell to Eliza Gladwin 6-0, 6-0, second-seeded Jo Jo Ankrah lost to Amariah Lem 6-0, 6-1 and third-seeded Rania Abu-Sitteh lost to Amy Seliga 6-0, 6-0. 
In doubles action, top-seeded Kara Patterson and Alyssa Perez dropped a 6-1, 6-2 decision to Adrianna Tomasello and Elise Tomasello and second-seeded Jessica Kuchta and Mikayla McLaughlin lost to Gabby Didiano and Nicole Gildersleeve 6-0, 6-2. Carissa Morann and Brianna Dessureau defeated Talon Yahaya and Cindy Nguyen 6-2, 6-2.

Youth is Key
Young team looks to improve
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
West Haven girls’ tennis coach Kara Kaczynski enters her ninth year at the helm of the team. Coming off a three-win season of a year ago, Kaczynski feels her young team has plenty of fight.
Losing nine seniors to graduation, the Westies have battles for just about every spot in both doubles and singles action. That type of competition can only benefit the team.
“We have battles in just about every spot,” Kaczynski said. “We are definitely a young team. We have nine freshmen. All the girls are working hard. We have twenty-four girls and all are pushing each other.”
Leading the way for the Westies are senior tri-captains Alyssa Perez, Rosita Laureano and Jo Jo Ankrah. Perez will be part of the top doubles team with junior Kara Patterson, while Laureano and Ankrah will battle for the top two singles spots.
“The captains are intelligent and personable,” Kaczynski said. “They are great leaders and they are respectful. They have been accepted by everyone on the team. Everyone is confident with them. They rely on them.
“The three captains are excellent. Their leadership will be the key. We are getting great match experience.”
Juniors Jessica Kuchta and Mikayla McLaughlin will battle freshmen Cindy Nguyen and Talon Yahaya for the second and third doubles spots. Freshman Rania Abu-Sitteh and sophomore Shannon Card will battle for the third and fourth spots in singles play.
“We are focusing on our doubles teams,” Kaczynski said. “Last year, we had some really good seniors in doubles who we lost.
“I have lucked out. I have such hard working girls. They are so personable and coachable. It makes coaching that much better.”
West Haven opens the season Thursday, April 5, 2012 at East Haven at 3:45 p.m. 

Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 

Rania Abu-Sitteh. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske. 

Talon Yahaya. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.

GIRLS TENNIS 2012

Mikayla McLaughlin. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.

Cindy Nguyen. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.

Foran defeats Westies
WH drops 7-0 decision
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 24, 2012) –
 The West Haven girls’ tennis team fell to 2-13 with a 7-0 loss to Foran Thursday afternoon. The Lions dominated the pro set matches in the sweep of the Westies. 
In singles play, to-seeded Rosita Laureano fell to Gabrielle Verdura 8-2, second-seeded Jo-Jo Ankrah lost to Emily Simpson 8-1, Rania Abu-Sitteh lost to Kathryn Amenta 8-0 and Shannon Card fell to Jamie Kader 8-0. 
In doubles play, top-seeded Alyssa Perez and Kara Patterson lost to Naagma Timakondu and Anna Levinson 8-1, Mikayla McLaughlin and Jessica Kuchta fell to Allison Raucci and Rachel Tisdale 8-2 and Taryn Sandor and Ashley Elusma fell to Becca Huber and Becca Tutino 8-1.

Westies fall to Law
Milford school dominates in win
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 18, 2012)
– The West Haven girls’ tennis team fell to Jonathan Law Friday afternoon. The Lawmen were dominant in their victories, defeating the Westies 6-1. West Haven fell to 2-12.
In singles play, Rosita Laureano fell to Lianne Maynard 6-3, 6-2, second-seeded Rania Abu-Sitteh lost to Marisa Perce 6-0, 6-3 and third-seeded Shannon Card fell to Olivia Noyes 6-0, 6-2. Marla Gagne fell in the fourth slot to Bhavani Jaladanki 6-0, 6-0. 
In doubles action, top-seeded Kara Patterson and Mikayla McLaughlin defeated Hebani Duggal and Olivia Herman 6-3, 2-6, 6-1. Sravya Jaladanki and Kate Brady defeated Jessica Kuchta and Amalia Mohd 6-4, 7-5 and third-seeded Talon Yahaya and Cindy Nguyen fell to Sofya Calvin and Bianca Stefanacci 7-5, 3-6, 6-2.

Westies snap skid
Win over Hillhouse/Career puts Westies back in win column
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 18, 2012) –
 The West Haven girls’ got back on the winning track with a 4-3 victory over Hillhouse/Career. The victory snapped a 10-match losing streak and improved West Haven’s record to 2-11. 
West Haven won two of three doubles matches to pull out the victory. Top-seeded Alyssa Perez and Kara Patterson defeated Yumna Elsankary and Kierra Turnbull 6-1, 6-4 and third-seeded Talon Yahaya and Cindy Nguyen beat Suhani Patel and Duna Sami 6-2, 6-1. Mikayla McLaughlin and Jessica Kuchta fell to Aleena Kazmi and Aline Benedetti Terceros 6-1, 6-3. 
In singles action, top-seeded Rosita Laureano defeated Nur Amalin Amir 1-6, 6-4, 7-6. Second-seeded Jo-Jo Ankrah fell to Stephanie Thy 6-3, 2-6, 7-6, Rania Abu-Sitteh defeated Marie Toupou 4-6, 6-0, 7-6 and Shannon Card fell to Kimberly Catubig 6-2, 6-0.

East beats West
West Haven falls to Easties 7-0
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 16, 2012) –
 The West Haven girls’ tennis team fell to East Haven Wednesday afternoon by a score of 7-0. The loss was West Haven’s tenth straight and dropped the Westies to 1-11. 
In singles action, Rania Abu-Sitteh and Shannon Card played the most competitive matches. The third-seeded Abu-Sitteh fell to Amy Seliga 6-2, 6-4 and the fourth-seeded Card lost to Julianna Maisano 7-5, 6-3. 
Rosita Laureano lost as the top seed to Eliza Gladwin 6-1, 6-1 and second-seeded Jo Jo Ankrah fell to Amariah Lem 6-1, 6-3. 
In doubles play, top-seeded Alyssa Perez and Kara Patterson fell to Adrianna Tomasello and Elise Tomasello 6-0, 6-0 and second-seeded Mikayla McLaughlin and Jessica Kuchta fell to Gabby Didiano and Michele Gambardella 6-0, 6-1. Third-seeded Talon Yahaya and Cindy Nguyen lost to Pam Masella and Brianna Dessureau 6-1, 6-3.  

Westies fall to Guilford
Ninth straight loss drops WH to 1-10
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 8, 2012) –
 The West Haven girls’ tennis team dropped its ninth straight decision Tuesday afternoon on the road against Guilford. The Indians defeated the Westies 6-1 to drop West Haven to 1-10 on the season.
“All the girls are improving in every match,” West Haven coach Kara Kaczynski said. “Their mental toughness is admirable.”
In singles action, top-seeded Rosita Laureano fell to Kristen Forscher 6-0, 6-0, second-seeded Jo-Jo Ankrah lost to Anna Babbin 6-0, 6-0 and third-seeded Rania Abu-Sitteh lost to Molly Louis 6-2, 6-2. Shannon Card fell as the fourth seed to Nicole Bondos 8-2.
In doubles play, top-seeded Kara Patterson and Alyssa Perez fell 6-0, 6-1to Meg Goodrich and Kelly Sobolewski and second-seeded Amalia Mohd and Mikayla McLaughlin lost 6-1, 6-0 to Lucy Haskell and Madeline Montenegro.  Third-seeded Talon Yahaya and Cindy Nguyen defeated Kristina Piersanti and Mikaela Weiss 8-5.

Westies blanked by Mercy
Eighth straight loss drops WH to 1-9
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 7, 2012)
– The West Haven girls’ tennis team dropped its eighth straight decision and fell to 1-9 on the year with a 7-0 loss to Mercy Monday afternoon. Despite battling throughout each match, the Westies could not bring home a winner.
In singles play, top-seeded Rosita Laureano fell to Sara Rosborough 6-1, 6-0, second-seeded Jo-Jo Ankrah was dropped by Ashley Golebiewski 6-2, 6-1 and third-seeded Rania Abu-Sitteh fell to Nicole Piazza in the closest match of the day 6-4, 6-3. Shannon Card fell in the final singles slot, 6-0, 6-0, to Hayley Magrin. 
In doubles’ play, top-seeded Alyssa Perez and Kara Patterson fell to Amy Gioco and Maria Malafronte 6-2, 6-1. Second-seeded Talon Yahaya and Cindy Nguyen dropped a 6-1, 6-3 decision to Hanna Jones and Katelyn Edelson, while third-seeded Mikayla McLaughlin and Jessica Kuchta fell to Tierney Maturo and Christina Freitag 6-1, 6-0.  

Unlucky Seven
Westies lose seventh straight with defeat against Hamden
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 4, 2012) –
 The West Haven girls’ tennis team dropped its seventh straight match Friday afternoon. With a 6-1 loss to Hamden, West Haven fell to 1-8 on the season.
West Haven’s lone victory came in singles play as Shannon Card won in the fourth slot with a 6-4, 2-6, 6-1 victory over Mia Bonadies. Rosita Laureano fell in the top slot to Sarah Cubells 6-3, 7-5, Jo-Jo Ankrah was defeated by Emily Ryder 6-2, 6-4 in the second slot and Rania Abu-Sitteh lost to Kristin Cataldo 6-2, 7-6 in the third spot. 
In doubles play, top-seeded Alyssa Perez and Kara Patterson dropped a 6-3, 6-1 decision to Anisha Lewis and Ashanti Tuttle while second-seeded Mikayla McLaughlin and Jessica Kuchta fell to Carly Semack and Kelsey Price 6-1, 6-0. Third-seeded Talon Yahaya and Cindy Nguyen fell to Ellenton Gbanyah and Veronica Bitz 6-0, 6-3.

Westies fall to Gaels
Shelton posts 7-0 victory
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 25, 2012) –
 The West Haven girls’ tennis team dropped its sixth consecutive match and fell to 1-7 on the year with a 7-0 loss to Shelton in West Haven Wednesday afternoon. 
The Gaels controlled the matches throughout the contest. In singles play, top-seeded Rosita Laureano fell to Dominique Gumbs 6-0, 6-0, second-seeded Rania Abu-Sitteh lost to Rigel Mahmood 6-0, 6-0 and third-seeded Shannon Card fell to Alessandra Boisvert 6-0, 6-1. Amalia Mohd was defeated in the fourth slot 6-1, 6-0. 
In doubles play, top-seeded Alyssa Perez and Kara Patterson lost to Dana Cho and Alexandria Gumbs 6-0, 6-0, second-seeded Susanna Shigo and Julia Yambao defeated Jessica Kuchta and Mikayla McLaughlin 6-0, 6-0 and third-seeded Talon Yahaya and Cindy Nguyen fell 6-0, 4-1 to Jessie Teo and Becca Ercolani in a match stopped because of rain.