The Valley Regional girls’ tennis team has faced several ups and downs in its first month of action, including the subtraction of one of the squad’s captains, yet the Warriors refuse to relent by keeping up a paltry record afloat in her absence.

Last spring, Valley claimed victories in its first two matches of the Class M State Tournament before losing to Hand in the semifinal round. The Warriors finished the 2022 season with an overall record of 14-4. The sixth-seeded Warriors started off the state tourney by earning a 4-2 home win over No. 11 seed Woodland in first-round action. Valley then hit the road to play a quarterfinal contest versus No. 3 Branford and defeated the Hornets by a 4-2 score. Then, the Warriors hosted No. 15 seed Hand for a semifinal match and took a 7-0 loss.

Thus far this campaign, Head Coach Sally Riggio and the Warriors have stormed the courts to the tune of an 8-3 record. Most recently, Valley started the month of May against Coginchaug on May 1 with a 5-2 win before a 7-0 loss against Old Lyme two days later.

While the initial losses came after a proficient and perfect 7-0 start, Riggio remained rigid and steadfast with her acknowledgment that the entire group is not fazed by those setbacks and will continue to use self-belief as the elixir for any immediate ills.

“Our season started out very strong,” said Riggio. “We remain committed to putting our best foot forward. Our goal on and off the court is to remember that our greatest strength comes from within.”

The Warriors welcome back not only two seniors as their co-captains, but they add experience as leaders with it being the tandem’s second consecutive campaign as squad stewards. First up, Valley has No. 1 singles player Olivia Baldwin, who keeps displaying her dedication to her post despite a sudden stop to her season. Samara Shankar, one half of the No. 1 doubles duo, displays her brains and brawn all around the court and campus, per her coach.

“This is Olivia’s second year at that position, but unfortunately, she suffered a season-ending injury on April 14 during our East Hampton match,” said Riggio. “Olivia is an exceptional athlete that also plays soccer. She remains a prominent presence on our team and has switched gears to be the girls No. 1 supporter with advice, encouragement, and cheering on her teammates. Samara Shankar possesses all of the same qualities as Olivia. Samara plays No. 1 doubles with her partner, [junior] Clara Shea. This is the third season that the duo has been paired up together. Samara is calm, confident, and competitive. Samara is also a debate and quiz bowl champion. Olivia and Samara are accomplished musicians off the court. These girls are the total package, making them great role models for the underclassmen.”

Juniors Joanna Petrone, Natalie Novak, Hannah Schwartzman, and sophomore Sophia Bonanno round out Riggio’s slate for solo action, while in addition to Shankar and Shea, sophomores Regan Grow, Alessia Pisanzio, seniors Ashley Cap, and Fallyn Belisle complete the doubles roster. When it comes to concocting the club’s recipe for capturing cohesion as well as victories, each individual brings its own unique ingredient.

“Each and every young lady on my team brings something special to the table that adds to the sisterhood that is our team,” said Riggio. “Our team has been very fortunate to have talented, hardworking and positive varsity alternates. [Sophomore] Hannah Faucher, [freshmen] Alana Martinez, Hannah Smith, Caitlin Brady, Ella Smith, and Abi Alexander complete our team.”

Riggio added and advised that the top admired adversaries within the Shoreline Conference ranks for the Warriors are Old Lyme and Westbrook. Thus far, the Wildcats of Old Lyme swept Valley 7-0 on April 24 prior to their rematch on May 3. With regard to Westbrook, the Knights slightly edged out the Warriors with a 4-3 decision on April 26.

“Our biggest rivals are Old Lyme and Westbrook,” said Riggio. “These teams are very talented with both the coaching and players. I enjoy the level of competition and respect the programs that they have developed. The Shoreline league is full of wonderful girls!”

Against Coginchaug, Warriors’ wins in matches were earned by Novak (6-0, 6-0) and Schwartzman (6-1, 6-1) in singles. Meanwhile, it was a clean sweep on the doubles’ side with Shankar and Shea (6-2, 6-0), Grow and Pisanzio (6-2, 6-2), plus Cap and Belisle (6-1, 6-0).

The Warriors have had to traverse onward without the on-court presence of one of their leaders, though the girls have grasped the gravity of the situation by not letting the loss derail their campaign–making Riggio a proud mentor.

“It has been quite an adjustment for the girls to have lost Olivia in the starting lineup,” said Riggio. “These girls provide me with so much pride and joy. I am lucky to be their coach; it’s a privilege.”

Riggio is assisted this spring by Callie Riggio, Sally’s daughter, who is also the head coach of the Warriors’ boys’ tennis squad. Sally Riggio, who is also the assistant coach of the boys’ team, has been the girls’ squad’s head coach for six years.

2023 Valley Regional Girls’ Tennis Regular Season Results and Schedule

April 3: Valley Regional 6, Coginchaug 1

April 5: Valley Regional 7, Portland 0

April 6: Valley Regional 6, Morgan 1

April 14: Valley Regional 6, East Hampton 1

April 18: Valley Regional 5, Cromwell 2

April 19: Valley Regional 6, North Branford 1

April 24: Valley Regional 4, Old Saybrook 3

April 24: Old Lyme 7, Valley Regional 0

April 26: Westbrook 4, Valley Regional 3

May 1: Valley Regional 5, Coginchaug 2

May 3: Old Lyme 7, Valley Regional 0

Monday, May 8: vs. Portland at 4 p.m.

Wednesday, May 10: vs. Morgan at 3:45 p.m.

Friday, May 12: vs. Haddam-Killingworth at 3:45 p.m.