Champions on the Court: Gill St. Bernard's Girls' Tennis Team Celebrates a Thrilling 2024 Season

 The 2024 Gill St. Bernard's Varsity Girls’ Tennis season was marked by dedication and growth, catapulting the Knights to a stellar 12-5 overall record, including a 10-2 conference record that crowned them as Skyland Conference- Valley Division champions.  

The defining moment of the season came in the final match against Franklin. With the teams tied 2-2, Second Doubles senior Alexa Gnapp and sophomore Elsa Coates delivered a thrilling come-from-behind victory to secure a 3-2 win and clinch the conference title. Teammates stormed the court in celebration, creating a memory that will resonate for years to come. 

Additional standout performances included: 

• Sambi Saravanamoorthy (First Singles): Sophomore standout Saravanamoorthy concluded the season with an impressive 12-4 record, earning 2nd Team All-Conference honors. 
• Reyna Facenda (Second Singles): Also a sophomore, Facenda demonstrated great improvement throughout the season, finishing with a 10-6 record. 
• Chloe Garrubbo (Third Singles): Junior Garrubbo transitioned from doubles to singles mid-season and excelled, showing consistent growth and adaptability. 
• First Doubles: Seniors Jillian Garrubbo and Bianca Cooper formed a dynamic duo, achieving a 5-4 record against tough opponents and setting the tone for teamwork and camaraderie. 
• Second Doubles: Senior Alexa Gnapp and sophomore Elsa Coates were a powerhouse pair, finishing the season with a 15-4 record. Their remarkable run in the Prep "B" Tournament saw them upset the top-seeded Princeton Day team in the semifinals before earning runners-up honors. 

Head Varsity Coach Chris Walsh praised the seniors— Jillian, Bianca, Alexa, and Campbell Macak—for their exceptional leadership, and recognized Jillian, as team captain, for fostering a sense of unity, communication, and hard work that defined the team’s success. 

“I have two mottos that define our work ethic,” Coach Walsh shared. “‘Hard work will always be rewarded’ and ‘Proper preparation equals peak performance,’ and this year’s team lived up to both. 

Congratulations to the Gill St. Bernard's Girls' Tennis Team on a fantastic 2024 season! 

Fall Sports Post-Season Awards  

Congratulations to the following student-athletes that were recognized by the Skyland Conference! 

Alexa Gnapp, 1st Team Valley Division 

Elsa Coates, 1st Team Valley Division 

Sambi Saravanamoorthy, 2nd Team Valley Division 

Reyna Facenda, 2nd Team Valley Division 

Bianca Cooper, Honorable Mention Valley Division 

Jillian Garrubbo, Honorable Mention Valley Division 

Congratulations to the following student-athletes who were recognized by Preps and County in the post season!

Alexa Gnapp, 2nd Doubles Runner Up Prep B

Elsa Coates, 2nd Doubles Runner Up Prep B