Boys’ Varsity Tennis Nabs Second Place Finish in Skyland Conference 

The Gill St. Bernard's Varsity Boys' Tennis team wrapped up an impressive 2024 season with a commendable 9-7 winning record, securing a strong 2nd place finish in the Skyland Conference - Valley Division.  

Overall, the Knights demonstrated a remarkable team effort, and the final outcome highlighted the talent and dedication of the players as a unit as well as stellar individual performances. 

Team Captain Jack Dahler ’24 finished out his final season at GSB with an 11-5 record at first singles and was named to the First Singles All Conference 2nd Team. Dahler played first singles throughout his GSB career, facing the top players from every team in the highly competitive Somerset County area and amassing a 30-17 lifetime record. 

“As team captain, Dahler was a tremendous leader and role model,” said Head Coach Chris Walsh. “He consistently exemplified commitment and sportsmanship at every turn.” 

Dahler was one of 128 singles players in the state to be selected for the NJSIAA State Individual Tournament on June 8 at Veteran’s Park.   

Peter Frantz-Pendell ’24 earned a spot on the Second Singles All Conference 1st Team, achieving an impressive 11-5 record at second singles over the season. Third Singles player, Matthew Segal ’24, finished with a 6-5 record and received an All Conference Honorable Mention. 

Fellow seniors Bennett Lavoie and Drew Pereira posted a 9-4 season record at first doubles, earning First Doubles All Conference First Team Honors. The dynamic duo’s teamwork and synergy on the court were key components of their success and set an example for the entire team.  

“One of the most memorable moments of the season occurred on April 9, 2024, when the team delivered a dominant performance against Bound Brook,” Coach Walsh said. “We won 5-0, collecting a total of 60 games, while Bound Brook managed to secure only 20 games.  

This decisive victory showcased the team's skill and determination across all three singles players and both doubles teams and was the result of consistent effort in practice. In that match, the boys embodied the philosophy that ‘Proper Preparation Equals Peak Performance!’” 

Looking ahead, Coach Walsh believes that the 2025 pre-season preparation will be crucial, ensuring the team is ready to excel from day one.  

“Our future success lies in continued play and practice, as experience is irreplaceable,” Coach Walsh stated. “One of my favorite quotes is ‘Hard Work Will Always Be Rewarded!’ Based upon their successes, the 2024 Boys’ Varsity Tennis team certainly demonstrated that this saying is true.”