McDonogh Girls Tennis

A History of the Team: 1981-2003

In the spring of 1981, Diane Allewalt started a tennis program for the few girls who were members of McDonogh's Upper School. "Coach" was able to field an entire squad, and surprisingly, the team had its first winning season due in part to the talents of senior Keri Fischer, the second best player in the Association of Independent Schools. Interestingly, the only player to defeat Keri that first year was Andrea Leand, a Bryn Mawr student and an eventual player on the women's professional tour.

The years between 1982 and 1986 were a building period for the girls' tennis program. Not fortunate enough to have another talent the likes of Keri Fischer, the team had to make its mark through doubles pairings and doubles strategies. Several players made a mark during these years: Mary Donovan, Stephanie Cochran, Marci Yerman, Meredith Preston, Anna Dopkin, and Karin Finkelstein.

In the spring of 1986, two players arrived on the tennis scene at McDonogh. One was Margaret O'Meara, a talent from Maryland's Eastern Shore, and the other was a 67 pound squirt named Danielle Dilloff. These two girls began a legacy at McDonogh that continues today.

After the reign of Dilloff and O'Meara, a young lady from the Dominican Republic followed her brother Alberto to McDonogh. Julie Diaz, along with teammates Gina del Carmen, Rachel Goldfine, and Kelly Brown, led McDonogh to its first ever Association of Independent Schools championship in the spring of 1989. This feat would be the beginning of a tradition at McDonogh.

In the fall of 1989, the private schools decided to change the girls' tennis schedule to the fall rather than the spring as the weather was seen as more favorable and the girls would not have to compete for court space with the boys' teams. However, this move was a blow to the McDonogh team as it forced the players to choose between their current fall sport and tennis. Fortunately, McDonogh lost only a few of its valued players, and those players remaining were determined to work to fill the void.

Work they did. In the fall of 1989, with Diaz still at the helm, the Varsity Girls' Tennis Team repeated its AIS championship …never to look back. In the years to follow, McDonogh captured the Association of Independent Schools championship eight straight times. During those years, some of the singles stars were: Shani Dilloff, Stacy Eyth, Heather Cole,Vicki Brick, Leena Krishnaswamy, and perhaps the best female player (besides our beloved Pam Shriver who graduated before the girls' program began) to play on the girls' team, Delila Causevic.

During those years from 1989 through 1997, McDonogh was also known for its tenacious doubles teams, several of whom won the Association of Independent Schools doubles titles. Some of these teams were: Rachel Goldfine and Kim Fox in 1990, Kim Schloss and Shelly Seaman in 1991, Kim Schloss and Jessica Salsbury in 1992 and 1993, Stacy Eyth and Leena Krishnaswamy in 1995, and Bana Hajj and Stephanie Rosen in 1996 and 1997. Undoubtedly, the 1997 squad consisting of singles players, Causevic, Krishnaswamy, and Cole, was the strongest team McDonogh had ever posted completing its season with a 16-0 record and winning the singles, the doubles, and the team titles that year.

A new breed of players arrived on the scene in 1998. Sara Sateri, and two eighth graders, Kristin Messmer and Brooke Rogers, were trying to make their mark on McDonogh tennis, but the younger girls were not allowed to play for the varsity squad. In 1999, Messmer and Sateri both won the new IAAM (Independent Athletic Association of Maryland) singles titles at the #1 and #2 singles spots, while two of three McDonogh doubles teams, the #2 team of Lindsay Wilner and Priti Julka and the #3 team of Nia Krishnaswamy and Karen Blum, took home trophies,. McDonogh would win the IAAM championship in 2000 and 2001 as well wirh Messmer three-peating as the #1 singles champion, the only player to ever do so in the history of independent school tennis in Maryland. Other doubles winners during these years were: Nia Krishnaswamy and Hilary Sylvester, Priti Julka and Caroline Mooser, and Dara Wilansky and Meredith Isenberg.

In 2002, Messmer and Mooser decided not to play tennis, so the team lost a bit of its talent; however, the team did not lose its spirit. This team, led by senior Gini Rollins and junior, Neha Parikh, stll sent several teams to the finals of the IAAM tournament with the #2 doubles team of Lindsay Young and Neerja Razdan, bringing home the IAAM doubles title. In addition, Laura Douglas set a new McDonogh girls' tennis record posting a 5:53 in her timed mile run.

In 2003, Neha Parikh held the number one singles spot and had many good wins against some difficult opponents and longtime rivals. Laura Douglas played number two singles, while Lindsay Young and Meredith Isenberg played number one doubles. Both teams made it to the semifinals of the IAAM Tournament. However, the number two team, Jamie Blume and Mandy Goodman, remained undefeated throughout the season and were the IAAM Champions. The number three team of Anna Escuder and Paige McMillan show promise for the upcoming season.

Indeed, McDonogh tennis is an outstanding program. However, what makes the McDonogh's girls' tennis teams so special is not its tradition of winning. From its inception, McDonogh tennis has prided itself on displaying good sportsmanship and on winning and losing with pride. McDonogh tennis is also known for its team camaraderie. Yet, to truly see that element in action, you would have to come to the courts and see our work ethic and our joy at simply being together while playing tennis. We welcome you.

Highlights of 2004-2008

After Diane and Tom Young retired from coaching tennis in 2003, the 2004 varsity team was coached by Becky Walker and her sister Julie Mallory, division III NCAA champions at Williams College. Walker had high hopes for the team, which was led by seniors, Anna Escudar and Jamie Blume, and senior captains, Lindsay Young and Paige McMillan. Newcomer and freshman Judy Mont, the number one player, led this team to a successful 8-5 record. Rounding out the team were juniors, Mandy Goodman and Deb Sher, as well as underclassmen, Lindsay Eckhaus, Sheila Razdan, and Yuki Takashima. Managers, Neil Parikh and Matt Ford, were an integral part of the 2004 tennis team’s success.

• Eagle winner and IAAM All Star: Lindsay Young
• Coach’s award: Anna Escudar

When Becky Walker left McDonogh to begin her career as the head of a middle school in Connecticut, the question was, “Who would now take over as the head of the Girls’ Varsity Tennis program?” That question was soon answered when Rachel Sifri, formerly Rachel Goldfine, (class of 1991, captain and AIS doubles champion in 1990) stepped forward. Sifri also played singles and doubles at a Union College. She was a division III NCAA doubles champion her junior year.

Sifri, with the help of senior captain and number one player, Mandy Goodman, along with second doubles and co-captain Deb Sher, helped an eager group of sophomores, Sheila Razdan (#1 doubles), Lindsay Eckhaus (#1 doubles), Tonamy Paterakis (#2 doubles), Laura Morrison (#3 doubles), and Carly Billig (#3 doubles), lead the team to a 7-6 record. Other important players on this squad were freshman and number two singles player, Natalie Ferguson, and junior, Katelyn Mangerie. As manager, Neil Parikh once again helped this team gain success. One of the highlights of this season was that all players made it through the first round of the IAAM tournament.

• Eagle winner: Natalie Ferguson
• Coach’s award: Laura Morrison
• IAAM All Stars: Carly Billig & Laura Morrison (#3 Doubles)

Coach Rachel Sifri returned for the 2006 season. The team had many tough matches in the conference for a record of 5-10. Senior, Katelyn Mangerie, and junior and number one doubles player, Sheila Razdan, were the captains who led the team along with juniors, Lindsay Eckhaus, Laura Morrison, Tonamy Paterakis, and Carly Billig. Sophomore, Natalie Ferguson, stepped up to the number one singles position for the team. Freshman, Lauren Cassell played hard at the number two singles position. Also joining the team this year was senior, Tiffany Chan, and freshman, Chava Quinn. Senior, Neil Parikh was once again a great manager and helped the team play hard. A great highlight this season was the number three doubles team, Katelyn Mangerie and Carly Billig, being ranked number two in the IAAM tournament and going all the way to the finals. A great team highlight was the away win over Garrison Forest 4-1.

• Eagle winner: Katelyn Mangerie
• Coach’s Award: Lindsay Eckhaus (#1 Doubles)
• IAAM All Stars: Carly Billig & Katelyn Mangerie (#3 Doubles)

Coach Rachel Sifri had a full team of eight girls returning for the 2007 Varsity Tennis season. During pre-season all eight girls went on a road trip to Virginia Beach to play tennis. The girls played different schools while they were down in Virginia Beach to prepare for the upcoming season. The girls came back to start the season really knowing each other well and having special memories. The team was lead by Senior Captains, Lindsay Eckhaus and Laura Morrison. The team had two Four Year Varsity players- Lindsay Eckhaus and Sheila Razdan. The other three seniors have been on Varsity for three years- Carly Billig, Laura Morrison, and Tonamy Paterakis. The whole team played hard all season. Manager, Zachary Jeffrey helped the team prepare for matches this season. Junior, Natalie Ferguson played the #1 Singles position again this year. Sophomore, Lauren Cassel had a great season playing #2 Singles. Seniors Lindsay Eckhaus and Sheila Razdan played #1 Doubles, Senior Laura Morrison and Sophomore Chava Quinn played #2 Doubles, Seniors Carly Billig and Tonamy Paterakis played #3 Doubles. One of the highlights of the season was winning two matches against the number one team Bryn Mawr. Both the number #2 Singles and #2 Doubles team won the match with our number #1 Doubles going to three sets. The #2 Doubles were also ranked second in the IAAM tournament. The team is going to miss the five seniors next year but looks forward to the three returning players.

• Eagle Winner: Laura Morrison
• Coach’s Award: Lindsay Eckhaus
• IAAM All-Stars: Laura Morrison & Chava Quinn (#2 Doubles)

In 2008 the tennis team would be playing many new schools in the B Conference.  Coach Rachel Sifri had five positions to fill for the 2008 season. The singles players were ready for competition. The team knew #1 Singles would be played by Senior/Captain/Eagle Award Winner, Natalie Ferguson who has played 4 years in a singles position.  She had a record of 9-2 and went to the Semifinals of the tournament.  Junior/IAAM All-Star, Lauren Cassel played #2 Singles again for the third year.  She had a great record of 10-1, losing only to St.Pauls.  Lauren made it to the finals of the tournament.  During pre-season the girls played with different doubles partners for the pre-season matches trying to find the right combination.  Coach Sifri believed she found the right combination.  #1 Doubles were Junior/Captain, Chava Quinn & Sophomore Carly Geller who had an 8-3 record.  #2 Doubles were first time Varsity players Sophomore Bailey Ewing and Freshman Taylor Munroe who were undefeated with a great record of 11-0.  They made it to the finals of the tournament and had very close match.  First time Varsity players Senior Jessica Filderman and Freshman Tiffany Munroe were 9-2 at the # 3 Doubles position.  Jessica and Tiffany won the #3 Doubles IAAM Championships! It was a great thrill to have three teams in the finals of the tournament and one team going all the way.  Coach Sifri was proud of how everyone played this season.  Overall the team was 12-3 in conference and non-conference play.  The team will miss the Seniors, including the Manager, Zachary Jeffrey.

• Eagle Winner: Natalie Ferguson
• Coach’s Award: Chava Quinn
• IAAM All-Stars: Lauren Cassel (#2 Singles)
• IAAM #3 Doubles Winners: Jessica Filderman and Tiffany Munroe

Highlights of 2009

2009 was a perfect season for the Varsity Girls and Coach Rachel Sifri. The team went 11-0 during regular season and every player won in the finals of the IAAM Tournament. Many of the positions went undefeated or only had one loss all season. The girls also had strong leadership of four year players and seniors, Lauren Cassel and Chava Quinn. Playing #1 Singles this year was a strong freshman, Kristina Centenari, who only lost eight games in all her matches. The #2 Singles for the fourth year in a row was Lauren Cassel who had a 9-2 record. The#1 Doubles team were senior, Chava Quinn and freshman, Emily Rosenfield, who went undefeated. The #2 Doubles were juniors, Bailey Ewing and Carly Geller, who had an 11-0 record and were named IAAM All-Stars. The #3 doubles were junior, Emma Kane, and sophomore, Tiffany Munroe, who only lost one match all season. This is Tiffany’s second year in a row winning the IAAM tournament at #3 doubles. Also playing in the matches were junior, Arriana Sajjad, and sophomore, Taylor Munroe.

One of the highlights of the season was beating Spalding 3-2 at an away match to win the conference. Another highlight was having everyone playing in the finals of the tournament. One after another the girls came off the court after playing hard and beating their opponents. Coach Sifri was very proud of the determination and team work she saw in her team. Seniors Lauren Cassel and Chava Quinn will be missed next year. Thanks for all your hard work over the last four years. Next year the girls will be playing in Division A.

• Eagle Winner: Chava Quinn
• Coach’s Award: Lauren Cassel
• IAAM All-Stars: Bailey Ewing and Carly Geller (#2 Doubles)
• IAAM Winners:
• #1 Singles -Kristina Centenari
• #2 Singles- Lauren Cassel
• #1 Doubles -Chava Quinn & Emily Rosenfield
• #2 Doubles- Bailey Ewing & Carly Geller
• #3 Doubles Tiffany Munroe & Emma Kane

Team Record, 1981-2009

Year	Record	Captains	Champions	All Stars
1981	5-2	Fischer
1982	1-7	Yerman, Cochran
1983	3-5	Dopkin, Yerman
1984	5-3	Yerman
1985	6-3	Dopkin
1986	8-2	Saundra Seaman
1987	9-2	Margaret O’Meara
1988	9-1
1989 spring	9-2
1989 fall	8-2	Horn
1990	9-0	Goldfine	Goldfine and Fox
1991	11-0	Shelly Seaman	S. Dilloff, Schlossand Seaman
1992	9-0	Blum, Schultz	Schloss and Salsbury
1993	8-1	Folkemer	Schloss andSalsbury
1994	9-0
1995	11-0		Brick, Eyth and L.Krishnaswamy	Brick,L.Krishnaswamy
1996	11-0	Hajj,Cole	Cole, L.Krishanswamy,Hajj and Rosen	Cohn,L.Krishnaswamy
1997	16-0	Hajj, Cole	L.Krishanswamy,Hajj and Rosen	Cohn, Haller, Cole
1998	10-3		Sateri	Julka, Wilner
1999	9-0		Messmer, Sateri,Julks and Wilner, N. Krishnaswamy and Blum	Messmer, Sateri
2000	9-3		Messmer, Sateri,N.Krishnaswamy and Sylvester
2001	8-2		Messmer, Julkaand Mooser, Wilansky andIsenberg	Julka
2002	7-4	Rollins, Razdan	Young and Razdan	Isenberg
2003	5-8	Parikh	Blume and Goodman	Parikh
2004	5-8	L. Young, P. McMillan		L. Young
2005	5-8	M. Goodman, D. Sher		C. Billig, L. Morrison
2006	5-8	S. Razdan, K. Mangerie		C. Billig, K. Mangerie
2007	5-8	L. Morrison, L. Eckhaus		L. Morrison, C. Quinn
2008	12-3	N. Ferguson, C. Quinn	J. Filderman & T. Munroe	L. Cassel
2009	11-o	L. Cassel, C. Quinn	IAAM Winners: #1 Singles -Kristina Centenari, #2 Singles - Lauren Cassel, #1 Doubles -Chava Quinn & Emily Rosenfield, #2 Doubles - Bailey Ewing & Carly Geller, #3 Doubles - Tiffany Munroe and Emma Kane	Bailey Ewing and Carly Geller (#2 Doubles)

---

All information on this website is © 2009 mcdonoghtennis.org unless otherwise noted