On an afternoon when Colts Neck captured a 4-1 non-divisional victory over Howell, the Rebels still took from the meeting a point of pride, as freshman Barbara Podvorchani secured her first career victory at first singles.
“Barbara was excited to finally play her first high school varsity match at first singles against a very experienced Jill Villany," Rebels coach Meghan Morris said. "(Barbara) showed some nerves once the first set began, but displayed a maturity throughout the match that helped carry her through."
Podvorchani -- the No. 17 ranked 2018 graduate in New Jersey according to TennisRecruiting.net -- won in straight sets, but not without push-back from the Cougars senior leader, earning an eventual 6-3, 6-4 decision.
"Jill played an excellent match and definitely made Barbara work hard for each set," continued Morris, who is in her eighth year at the helm of the Rebels. "I look forward to seeing how Barbara plays against other tough opponents this season."
"(Podvorchani's) positioning at first singles has had a positive affect on our lineup, which has remained intact from last year. The team will only benefit from her addition and we're looking forward to having a winning season.”
Colts Neck's Erin Walenczyk (6-1, 6-0) and Mary Gana (7-5, 6-3) closed out second and third singles, respectively, while the Cougars top team of Rachaita Trivedi and Madison Nuzzo (6-1, 6-1) and second pairing of Ashley Hogan and Julianna Heck (6-3, 6-2) swept doubles competition.
Colts Neck opens its Class B North schedule on Wednesday at No. 7 ranked Red Bank Catholic -- the former competed in Class A North and the latter in Class A Central in 2013 -- while Howell also starts divisional play on Wednesday at Class A North foe Middletown North.
Colts Neck 4, Howell 1
Singles: Podvorchani (H) d. Villany 6-3, 6-4; Walenczyk (C) d. Hooper 6-1, 6-0; Gana (C) d. Towey 7-5, 6-3; Doubles: Trivedi-Nuzzo (C) d. Wexler-Chaliskey 6-1, 6-1; Hogan-Heck (C) d. Chan-Connelly 6-3, 6-2; Records: Colts Neck (1-0), Howell (0-1).
