Camhi sets stage as Syosset repeats as champs
Syosset's Hannah Camhi returns the ball during her win against Hills West's Carly Siegel in the 2010 Long Island team championships at Smithtown East. (Nov. 2, 2010) Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
Syosset's Hannah Camhi walked off the court, satisfied with her victory at first singles. With her equipment bag dangling from her right shoulder, it was time to tend to her next order of business: get something to eat.
Her teammates welcomed her with a box of munchkins, and she rewarded herself with a handful.
"I was kind of hungry because I didn't have lunch today, which was not a good idea," Camhi said.
Miniature doughnut treats aside, Camhi's 6-0, 6-3 win jump-started the Braves to their second straight Long Island team title in a 6-1 win over two-time defending Suffolk champion Half Hollow Hills West at Smithtown East.
Camhi began her match by breaking Hills West's Carly Siegel. The junior, who is returning to Saturday's NYSPHSAA individual championships after a third-place finish in 2009, took her win in stride.
"I was happy about myself winning and contributing a point to the team, but it's such a great experience hanging out with the girls," Camhi said.
Despite the lopsided score, Syosset coach Larry Levane said the title defense proved to be a far more difficult task than winning the first championship.
"It's tougher since you have a big bull's-eye on your back and everybody is looking to knock you off," Levane said.
Bull's-eyes aside, Syosset found an early groove. After Camhi wrapped up her match, Rithika Reddy defeated Malini Desai at third singles, 6-3, 6-1.
Only a few minutes later, the third doubles team of Alexa Sternschein and Paige Gindi took a 6-1, 6-2 win over Hailey Oswath and Carli Rumstein to give the Braves a 3-0 advantage. In the clincher, Ashley Sandler beat Zenat Rashidzada at second singles, 6-4, 6-2.
At 4-0, there were still three matches in progress, although Syosset began a subdued celebration once word of Sandler's win circulated.
"It's a nice feeling and you're almost rooting for the other team to get a match or two, but then again, you have been with your girls all season long and you know how much they want it," Levane said.
"So . . . you can't root against them."
Hayley O'Rourke and Katie Cirella won at second doubles, 6-0, 4-6, 6-1, then Jen Glukhman won at fourth singles, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4, to give Syosset a 6-0 lead.
The Hills West first doubles team of Sarah Han and Dani Silber helped prevent a Syosset sweep with a 6-1, 5-7, 6-4 win.
Despite that lone defeat, the celebration already had begun.
And yes, there were enough munchkins for everybody.
