Niskayuna’s Dartawan clinched her second consecutive Section 2 girls’ tennis individual championship, dominating Shenendehowa’s Jolie Chichak 6-0, 6-2. Dartawan navigated through the tournament as the top seed, facing tough competition but ultimately controlled the finals. In doubles, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake’s duo Sam Ostrander and Lydia Koivula triumphed against Bethlehem for the title after a comeback against top-seeded Saratoga Springs. Both singles and doubles champions, along with several competitors, will advance to the state tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens.

By the Numbers

• Dartawan won her finals match against Chichak with a score of 6-0, 6-2.
• Ostrander and Koivula defeated their semifinal opponents, Saratoga Springs, in three sets after losing the first set.

Yes, But

While Dartawan’s win solidifies her dominance, her earlier struggles in the semifinal reveal the competitive pressure she faced, emphasizing the importance of mental resilience in high-stakes matches.

State of Play

• The NYSPHSAA tournament will be held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens.
• Multiple athletes, including Dartawan and the Burnt Hills doubles team, are preparing for the state competition, highlighting the transition to a more prestigious setting.

What’s Next

As the state tournament approaches, anticipation is high for both Dartawan and the Burnt Hills doubles team, aiming to capitalize on their recent success and experience amidst tougher competition.

Bottom Line

The championships not only highlighted individual talent but also set the stage for an exciting state tournament, showcasing the potential for athletes to elevate their performance on a bigger platform.