Inside the girls varsity tennis team's championship season
A full-length feature on the team's historic season
This is a special feature that both reports on the girls varsity tennis team's championship final and collects various pieces of coverage of the team's season all in one place, including photos, livestreams, and other articles.
The Final Game
On November 10, the girls varsity tennis team won the Division 2A City Championships at Queens College, defeating James Madison High School from Midwood, Brooklyn with a 3-2 win.
In the finals, sophomore Elizabeth Sabaev won a singles victory after a tense tiebreaker, ensuring the team’s overall victory. The team went undefeated throughout the regular season, with a record of 10-0 and first place standing in the Queens 2A division.
Watch the deciding point that won THHS the city championships. Streamed by Ryan Chen.
Watch the deciding point that won THHS the city championships. Streamed by Ryan Chen.
Sophomore Elizabeth Sabaev in ready stance, preparing to receive the ball in the championship finals. Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
Girls varsity tennis team in a team huddle prior to the championship finals on November 10. Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
Parents of tennis players on the team taking photos after Townsend Harris won the finals. Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
Freshman Rayna Diao returning the ball during a singles match at the championship finals. Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
Junior Morgan Ma returning a ball at the championship finals on November 10. Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
Sophomore Micaela Galicia placing a medal on Coach Stephen Mazza at the championships. Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
Medals displayed at the championship finals held at The Bubble on the Queens College campus. Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
Girls varsity tennis team holding up the championship plaque. Photo by Ryan Chen
Photos by Ryan Chen
Junior captains Tiffany Huang, Morgan Ma, and sophomore Elizabeth Sabaev each never lost a single match the whole season.
In the finals, Elizabeth won an 11-10 victory after a tense tiebreaker, ensuring the team’s overall victory.
Coach Stephen Mazza praised the team for their undefeated season. “It’s really exciting, and it was a lot of fun,” he said. He said his biggest goal was to finish the season undefeated in order to ensure a top three playoff seed. With the team ultimately securing the second seed and later proving victorious in the final, that goal was clearly met.
Morgan said, “Everyone on the team has pushed themselves harder by maintaining higher energy… [and] supporting one another through giving encouragement and feedback.”
The result of these efforts was apparent not only during the finals but also the semifinals, when the team defeated the Bronx High School of Science with a score of 3-2. This was a major turnaround from when they faced Bronx Science last season, losing 0-5 in the quarterfinals.
Elizabeth called the match against Bronx Science “a roller coaster,” though she ultimately prevailed against their number one seeded player. “The atmosphere was electric, and many friends and people came out to support,” she said.
The turnaround from last year’s competition with Bronx Science was not the only area where the team showed improvement from the previous season.
Coach Mazza said, “It was surprising how dominant we were in Queens this season. Last year’s matches with Francis Lewis were fairly close, but this year we beat them fairly convincingly.” This year, the score was 5-0 victory against Francis Lewis.
On top of improving together as a team, individual dedication and practice have also played a big role in their success.
Junior Miriam Heikal said, “My favorite memory from the team is the talks that we have during practice. Throughout the years, we’ve grown very close to each other through these talks.”
“It’s a great experience and great atmosphere,” Elizabeth said. “The overall experience [has been] really enjoyable.”
Playoff Season Recap
Round 1
BYE
No opponent
Round 2
Beacon High School
October 27, 2025 | 5-0
Quarterfinals
Brooklyn Technical
October 28, 2025 | 5-0
Semifinal
Bronx HS of Science
November 3, 2025 | 3-2
Final
James Madison High School
November 10, 2025 | 3-2
The Classic
How did you first get into tennis?
Elizabeth Sabaev
I think it was in Pennsylvania. I was maybe four years old and my parents gave me a racket and I started playing. Later on, they set me up for group classes and also my dad and my grandpa used to play tennis, so they decided to set me up for that.
The Classic
Was there a moment you realized that tennis was your passion?
Elizabeth Sabaev
I think I always liked playing tennis even when I was a little kid. In general, I am very energetic and I like to get my energy out in some way. I really enjoy the competitive aspect of the sport.
The Classic
What was going through your mind when you hit the winning point in the singles match?
Elizabeth Sabaev
It was just such a huge moment. I was just so happy to celebrate it with my friends, and honestly, I don't even know what I was thinking. I knew it was just such a big moment and that I won it by two points. I was just so happy for my team.
The Classic
What did winning the championships mean to you?
Elizabeth Sabaev
After I hit that last winner, it was like a sense of relief. Last year we didn't win, but this year, it means so much to do it with my friends. It was a very shocking, but also very exciting thing that happened.
The Classic
Why didn't you have the expectation that the team had a chance to win?
Elizabeth Sabaev
The other team had a reputation since they won the city championship last year, so it was a lot of pressure on me because I was the final match to decide. It was all so surreal, but it was a huge relief and excitement afterwards.
The Classic
What are your aspirations for tennis?
Elizabeth Sabaev
I want to play division one college. I don't know what I want to major in yet, but right now, I'm playing tournaments to get national ranking points, so that I'm able to make it to a division one college.
Sophomore Elizabeth Sabaev warming up with freshman Rayna Diao at the championship finals. Photo by Ryan Chen
Sophomore Elizabeth Sabaev warming up with freshman Rayna Diao at the championship finals. Photo by Ryan Chen
Girls varsity tennis team celebrating with each other after sophomore Elizabeth Sabaev won the deciding match at the city championships. Photo by Ryan Chen.
Girls varsity tennis team celebrating with each other after sophomore Elizabeth Sabaev won the deciding match at the city championships. Photo by Ryan Chen.
Coach Stephen Mazza placing a medal on sophomore Elizabeth Sabaev during the awards ceremony at the city championships. Photo by Ryan Chen.
Coach Stephen Mazza placing a medal on sophomore Elizabeth Sabaev during the awards ceremony at the city championships. Photo by Ryan Chen.
Sophomore Elizabeth Sabaev serving the ball during the championship finals. Photo by Ryan Chen.
Sophomore Elizabeth Sabaev serving the ball during the championship finals. Photo by Ryan Chen.
How do you handle the pressure in important matches or in playoff games?
I have a ritual: I go to my towel, I try to reset,
I take a couple deep breaths, I try to look for my dad,
And remember that there's always going to be a new point.
"Playing tennis makes me feel adrenaline and pressure that I don’t feel anywhere else."
Elizabeth Sabaev
"We fully support you."
"She started when she was five, so she's been playing for 10, 11 years now. It's a long journey with a lot of ups and downs and a lot of time commitment but playing tennis has a lot of advantages."
Mike Sabaev (father of Elizabeth Sabaev)
Coach Stephen Mazza
The Classic
What were your thoughts or reactions during the matchup between the final two individual players in the championship?
Dr. Mazza
When we won, I just remember being in disbelief because I think I never really thought of the whole season, and that's how this would end up. I knew we had a chance, but it was amazing.
The Classic
What have you learned from this tennis season?
Dr. Mazza
I feel like I need a day to think of the answer for that. The one thing that's first of all is that the team is great. They're fantastic. They're a great group of girls and excellent tennis players, and they accomplished amazing things. I think what I've come to realize is I must have brought something as a coach–I didn't screw it up. So I must have done something right, so maybe what I learned is that I'm capable.
The Classic
How would you describe the team's chemistry this year?
Dr. Mazza
I think they all support each other really well. I think all along we knew we were good. We knew we had a chance. It's just we weren't really tested until the semifinals. All three of my captains are juniors, but they led like veterans.
The Classic
What are your hopes for the team moving forward?
Dr. Mazza
Well, I hope we repeat. I mean, I think we're good enough. We just got to keep it together.
"I know how hard I worked, and they worked even harder. They have a lot to be proud of because this is years of work on their part... I'm close to retiring, and it's one of the nicest things that I've been involved with."
2025-2026 Girls Varsity Tennis Captains
Morgan Ma
Captain
Aleah Tercero
Captain
Tiffany Huang
Captain
The Classic
How did you first get into tennis?
Morgan Ma
Through my mom. My family, in general, has been very sporty, so I played a bunch of different sports growing up, but only one stuck out when it was around COVID time. It was just a really interesting sport and there were so many variations to it. That's what really piqued my interest because you can always keep improving. There is no one set form that you can do.
"Let coaches do the coaching, and try to be your child’s safe place instead of another source of pressure. Keep communication open, but don’t force post game analysis; sometimes a simple, 'I loved watching you play,' goes a long way. Encourage balance so your child doesn’t feel defined only by their sport. Remember, the long term goal isn’t just better performance, it’s helping them build confidence, resilience, and a healthy relationship with competition."
The Classic
Why did you fall in love with racket sports?
Morgan Ma
I honestly have no idea. My friends were like, “yeah, you should probably try it,” and I was like, “OK,” because I've been exposed to many sports like ping pong and the Walmart tennis rackets that you buy. Badminton not so much, which is really interesting. My friends in high school, trying to push me, said, “you should probably try it and see if you like it. If you like it, you should stick to it.” I just like the feel of the racket.
"Being a parent on the sideline this tennis season was filled with a mixture of pride and nerves, but it’s shared across the lineup. I am not just watching my child. I am invested in the whole team’s performance. There’s a stronger sense of community, with parents cheering for every court and getting to know other families over the course of the season. In the end, I find it especially rewarding to watch Morgan grow not just as a player, but as a teammate who contributes to something bigger than herself."
The Classic
Which sport do you think is your best or which one were you exposed to first?
Morgan Ma
I was exposed to tennis first. My best sport is obviously tennis. Table tennis, I only really started freshman year, same as badminton, but there's more of a connection between table tennis and tennis compared to badminton and tennis.
"Physically, I will continue to be the 'Uber' driver and take Morgan wherever she needs to go to practice and compete. Emotionally, I need to focus on being consistently encouraging rather than results focused, making sure Morgan still enjoys the sport, while also respecting her goals and level of commitment... Most importantly, I aim to create a positive environment where effort, growth, and love of the game come first."
The Classic
What did winning city championships mean to you personally?
Morgan Ma
It was a crazy experience. Every match in the regular season was okay. I wouldn't say easier, but it was definitely a better process during each match. When we got to playoffs, the stakes just became higher because we were coming in from an undefeated season, so we had a lot on the line. When we did win, it was just electrifying. The energy on court was so great, the support was fantastic. I really enjoyed having that recognition.
"If you put in the work, the effort will pay off. You'll see your improvement. I would say never give up, even though that's cliche, but it really is true, and that practice doesn't make perfect, it only makes you better."
The Classic
How did you first get into tennis?
Aleah Tercero
When I was six years old, my father took me to a park to hit on the wall, and he gave me a racket and realized that I had potential. Then he started putting me in group lessons at USTA, the national tennis center, and I have been playing since then. It's been around 10 years.
"As always, it's been more than a pleasure, and I make myself available whenever they have matches, even practice, to not only be present, but to collaborate with some of the girls. I usually transport them from school to Cunningham, whatever the match might be, and bring them back to school or maybe give a ride to somebody else. I think I haven't missed any matches."
The Classic
What message would you send to future players or the school community after the championship win?
Aleah Tercero
No matter where you are at in the sport, it's always the effort that you put into it that is what you're going to get out. If you really really try hard, you train hard, you go to your group practices and your sessions, and you really continue to play and to focus on the mental aspect, not just the physical aspect, you can really reach any level that you desire.
"The third year they ended up winning the championship. It's not one single moment but it's a compilation of all those things that happen that brings you there. That's the way I experienced that moment. It brought me back to all those three years since my daughter joined Townsend Harris and also the tennis team."
The Classic
What is one lesson you've learned as captain that you'll carry beyond tennis?
Aleah Tercero
One lesson that I've learned as captain is that communication is very key within the team because I want to make sure that every girl feels comfortable and is able to share and to feel like they are a part of this community that we have made in the team.
"I've always been grateful that we've always been a family and we've been able to communicate and work well together. Tennis is mostly a mental and individual sport, so that's something really strong and that I would carry throughout life."
The Classic
What are your future aspirations for tennis?
Aleah Tercero
Ever since I was little, I always kind of saw myself playing tennis at either a professional level or a college level, but as time progressed, I don't really see myself doing that anymore. Of course, I fell in love with tennis at the age of six years old, and I continue to love the sport and the people I met through it. Throughout college, I think I would want to explore more and still be able to play at a club recreational level.
The Classic
How do you plan to continue to support Aleah in her tennis journey?
Ramon Tercero (Father of Aleah Tercero)
I think I wouldn't change anything. I will continue to try to make myself available. My daughter knows it very well that I like to be very involved.
The Classic
What advice would you give to other parents of student athletes?
"We parents know what our kids want, and we need to learn to separate from what we want, as opposed to discovering what it is that they would like to do and supporting that. Even when things become frustrating, be there and support them."
The Classic
How did you first get into tennis?
Tiffany Huang
My older brother actually started tennis first. He was very into it at a young age and I guess I just followed in his footsteps. I saw, ‘oh my brother's into tennis,’ so I got curious and I started tennis at around eight years old. My mom started enrolling me into private lessons with my brother's coaches. And it's a group class and I had a lot of fun doing it.
Junior Tiffany Huang receiving a ball during the Individual Championships on November 14. Photo by Ryan Chen.
Junior Tiffany Huang receiving a ball during the Individual Championships on November 14. Photo by Ryan Chen.
"I enjoy watching her playing tennis. I’m very proud of her no matter what the results are."
The Classic
What did winning city championships mean to you personally?
Tiffany Huang
It meant a lot because all of our team members put so much work into tennis, not just in school, but also out of school. We all do a lot of private training, then to see the results translate into winning the city championships and to bring some pride to the school. I know all the girls truly deserve it.
Junior Tiffany Huang playing in a doubles match with junior Morgan Ma during the Individuals Championships on November 14. Photo by Ryan Chen.
Junior Tiffany Huang playing in a doubles match with junior Morgan Ma during the Individuals Championships on November 14. Photo by Ryan Chen.
The Classic
How would you describe the energy when Elizabeth's match went into a tiebreaker?
Tiffany Huang
In tennis, literally anything can happen. In tiebreaks it can go either way, it really doesn't matter who is more skilled. At that moment, I was trying to give her energy, give her support. I was definitely tense, but I was trying to not show it, so as not to make her nervous.
Junior Tiffany Huang in ready stance as junior Morgan Ma serves the ball during the Individual Championships on November 14. Photo by Ryan Chen.
Junior Tiffany Huang in ready stance as junior Morgan Ma serves the ball during the Individual Championships on November 14. Photo by Ryan Chen.
"I will continue to support her playing tennis. There is no sacrifice, and it is all about love, respect and support. As parents, we continue to support and encourage our kids to try, to do their best... I hope all parents can understand to let the kids be who they are and enjoy every moment of their lives."
The Classic
What would you say to the team after winning and to your future self in the next tennis season?
Tiffany Huang
I'm so incredibly proud of their effort they put into tennis, and I'm very proud of them for their commitment to the team for always trying their hardest during the matches. We all put in 110% to win for the team.
I appreciate the support and also from the subs too. They always show up just to support us, to give us motivation, and I think that just means a lot, so I'm very proud of them for that too. For the next tennis season, I would just say to have fun. I know a lot of times, we stress a lot in the matches, and then practicing we get stressed.
Junior Tiffany Huang about the serve the ball at the Individual Championships on November 14. Photo by Ryan Chen.
Junior Tiffany Huang about the serve the ball at the Individual Championships on November 14. Photo by Ryan Chen.
"Playing tennis gives you so many lessons because not every day you're going to play good, and sometimes, you will have very tough losses. It definitely teaches you how to stay determined. It teaches you about persistence and not giving up even with difficult moments or tough losses. Sometimes you just feel down, you still have to push yourself up and keep showing up."
Junior Tiffany Huang in the beginning brief to the Individual Championships on November 14. Photo by Ryan Chen.
Junior Tiffany Huang in the beginning brief to the Individual Championships on November 14. Photo by Ryan Chen.
Sophomore Micaela Galicia
The Classic
How did you first get into tennis?
Micaela Galicia
I got into tennis through my old school. We used to have NYGTL right across the street on these basketball courts, and I thought it was really cool, so I thought it'd be pretty interesting to try out a sport that I've never really seen anyone try.
The Classic
What did winning the city championship mean to you?
Micaela Galicia
For me, it meant just knowing that the team was so strong that we got to the point of the city championship, and knowing that the team itself is so unified that last year, even though we knew we could have won, this year we came back even stronger. It meant a lot of resilience.
The Classic
What would you say to yourself during the championship, reflecting on it now?
Micaela Galicia
I was definitely really nervous, so I would tell myself to just take a deep breath and just know that it's going to be okay.
The Classic
What would you just tell yourself next season?
Micaela Galicia
The same thing, just calm down and trust myself. Trust that I'm a good player and that I know what I can do.
Freshman Rayna Diao
The Classic
How did you first get into tennis?
Rayna Diao
I started tennis when I was about 3.5 years old, mainly because I have two older brothers and my parents would say I felt left out or that I really wanted to play. Then they put me into group lessons, and I've been playing nonstop.
The Classic
What is one thing that you think is underappreciated in the sport of tennis?
Rayna Diao
I think how hard it is mentally on a person. I think if you really want to be good, you have to choose either the route of academics or tennis. It's really hard, time management wise, balancing both.
Senior Yam Yik Zheng
The Classic
What was your reaction after the championships?
Yam Zheng
I'm really proud of the team. Honestly, getting a championship in my senior year has been great because I got to experience that with my team in my last year. The team is always really nice and really friendly even though I'm not really super good at tennis, but they're always helping me through and sometimes play with me as well.
The Classic
How did you first get into tennis?
Yam Zheng
Actually, I just want to try the sports because my sophomore year, I just tried to find a full season of sports. I then attended a program called NYJTL. It was kind of fun, and I wanted to try to be a starter. I was really close, but it didn't happen, so that's fine.
Julia Chin
Freshman
The Classic
How did you first get into tennis?
Julia Chin
I started tennis when I was seven, and I went to this camp called Cunningham Tennis. It was very fun because I got to get out of my comfort zone and be around more people.
The Classic
What's a lesson you've learned from tennis that you think you'll carry beyond the sport?
Julia Chin
I think to play well, you really need to have a good mindset, because if you're not thinking right and you have a lot on your mind, it gets really overwhelming, and I feel like you just can't play at your capacity.
Zella Suhu
Freshman
The Classic
How did you first get into tennis?
Zella Suhu
Well, my brother was put into this summer camp, and after a year, I was also put in it with him, and I just continued playing. I started about 8 years ago, but I started taking lessons in the winter 5 years ago.
The Classic
How do you think tennis has added to your life?
Zella Suhu
It helped me meet a lot of great people, and it taught me about consistency and a lot of important lessons on how to apply it to my real life outside of tennis.
Sarah Aminov
Sophomore
The Classic
How did you first get into tennis?
Sarah Aminov
I first got into tennis at around seven years old, when I was trying to find a sport that I liked to play. One trip to the tennis center, and it was very clear that tennis was the winner.
The Classic
What did winning the city championship mean to you?
Sarah Aminov
Winning the city championship meant that all the work that I’d ever put into this sport—making the team, playing matches, and everyday practice—paid off. It was a sign that my effort was worth it in the end and that my game was improving day by day. I’m very grateful that I got to experience this through a spirited event with such an amazing team.
"Pressure is privilege. There's always pressure in your life, but you just have to learn how to overcome it."
The Classic
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