As the spring sports season comes to an end, the girls softball, girls handball, girls badminton, and girls flag football teams have all competed in the playoffs. Upon qualifying, each team focused on improving weaknesses in their skills, increasing teamwork, and bettering communication. Team representatives commented on their team’s playoff journey and how they intended to improve next season.
Girls Handball
The girls varsity handball team finished its regular season with an undefeated record of 10-0, placing first in the Queens III division. The team received a BYE in Round 1 and won its playoff match in Round 2 against High School for Arts and Business with a final score of 3-2, qualifying them for the quarterfinals.
The team’s success was mainly due to their strong team bonding created throughout the regular season, practicing almost daily for their games. Junior captain Hitarthi Bhatt said, “As a captain, my role was to make sure coordination, unity, and effort were present among all of my teammates and me. I tried to lead by example by showing up for my team both on and off the court, whether that was during games, practices, or team activities.”
In their second match of the playoffs, against Stuyvesant High School, second doubles team sophomore Sabrina Wang and junior Kanon Banno came back from a 0-13 deficit, ending the match with a final score of 19-21. Although they lost the game and the team lost overall 0-5, the comeback showed the team’s potential for the next season.
Kanon said that the team plans to focus on further improving skills and staying consistent by holding practice outside the regular season. Some players have already been doing this. Kanon said, “Personally, my individual efforts included practicing outside of school and attending clinics, as well as outside competitions to refine my skills.”
Girls Badminton
The girls varsity badminton team finished its regular season with eight wins and two losses, ranking third in the Queens III division. In Round 1, the team defeated James Madison High School 5-0, and in Round 2, it secured a tight 3-2 victory over McKee/Staten Island Tech to advance to the quarterfinals. The team’s success during the season was largely due to the quantity of seasoned players who have remained on the team for several seasons.
After qualifying for the playoffs, the team changed its practices to include more scrimmages to better prepare players for the real game environment. Senior captain Abby Chu said, “I think because the playoffs were so soon, the best we could do was to play one another seriously to simulate playing playoff matches.”
Players also focused on honing individual skills during practices. Coach John Tsai said, “It’s individual for the players, so definitely the singles players, I’ll say their weaknesses, the drop shot, they need to be able to move their feet. So, focus on that, focus on serves so they don’t give away points just by missing a serve.”
During the playoffs, first singles player senior Yam Yik Zheng and first doubles players Abby Chu and sophomore Kloe Chen secured key victories in their first two games, winning matches 2-1 and 2-0 repeatedly. Though the team narrowly lost its quarterfinal match against Brooklyn Technical High School with a score of 2-3, it set its goals high for next season.
For the next season, junior Stella Hwang said the team plans to work harder and advance further in the playoffs. Stella said, “I really want our connection and support for each other to grow, and I wish the best for us next year.”
Girls Flag Football
The girls varsity flag football team ended its regular season with eight wins and two losses, placing second in the Queens II Division 1A. The team received a BYE in Round 1 and won its match against George Washington in Round 2, securing a spot in the quarterfinals. The biggest factors in the team’s success were their unity throughout the season and during games, along with their highly skilled offensive players.
The team trained for the playoffs by putting in time and dedication into each game. Coach Matthew Curiale said, “The team showed resilience and worked extremely hard, especially toward the end of the season and throughout the playoffs. The girls truly left it all on the field, competing through rain, cold, and heat without ever giving up.”
In their playoff game against George Washington High School, the team secured a touchdown in the final thirty seconds of the first half, tying the score and providing momentum for their eventual 14-7 victory. Although the team lost 14-20 in quarterfinals to William C. Bryant, the team had a strong performance overall.
Senior captain Nicole Saenz said, “We all play very good defense and make quick stops, and on offense, Amelia and I know how to navigate through the defenders so Keira can throw us the ball and we can get touchdowns.”
In the next season, Coach Curiale said, “Looking ahead, I believe next season will be another successful one, especially with most of the players expected to return.” Junior Kexin Wang said the team hopes to put more focus on weaker areas. Kexin said, “Next season, we hope to see some stronger defensive plays and strong receiving from our newer players to fill in the position our senior captain held this year.”
Girls Softball
The girls varsity softball team finished its regular season with a 12-2 record, tied for first place in the Queens II Division 2A. In the playoffs, the team was eliminated in Round 1 against Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics with a final score of 12-21. The team’s success in the regular season was largely due to strong teamwork and communication.
The team’s captains aimed to keep the team dynamic solid and ensure team morale stayed high during games. Senior captain Emma Kremer said, “for me, being a supportive pillar on the team, encouraging the team, and uplifting them helps my team. I try motivating my teammates when they strike up or mess up on the field to help them get out of their heads and being supportive and performing to my best ability.”
Sophomore Imogen Kujo said that the team’s practices helped train new players and build strength as a team. She said, “we definitely grew together and learned new things together.”
Imogen emphasized how the team dynamic and bonding played a key role in their season this year. “Success throughout the season hinges on how well the team plays, and with the bonds we built throughout our season practices and games, that was easy because we knew each other well,” she said.
For the next season, Emma said, “Being more aggressive on the field, stealing bases, and when we are up to bat will help us perform well.”
