Beacon Wins PSAL “A” Division Title

The title of New York City PSAL “A” Division Girls’ Champions has returned to Beacon after the Blue Demons defeated Bronx Science 4-1 in the city title match.

Beacon was anchored by its senior leader Chantajah Mills, who once again delivered for her team the way she had all season. Mills defeated Margaux Vasilescu 6-1, 6-2 by serving well and using her strong baseline game to hold off any possible rally from Vasilescu.

“Chantajah was indeed the team leader. The players looked up to her and listened to her when she offered advice,” said Beacon head coach Keith Miller. “Not only is Chantajah a gifted tennis player, but she is also a wonderful person, student, daughter and sister. She brought a positive winning attitude to our meetings, practice and matches, and was a major component in the team’s success.”

Debra Gil continued the momentum for her squad as she notched a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Leila Patel of Bronx Science at second singles. Gil was down a break at 3-4 in the opening set before turning the tables, breaking back immediately before holding her serve, and proceeding to break one more time to close out the first set. In the second set, she got off to a fast start and never looked back to secure the win.

To round out the singles action, Beacon’s Mia Sarzynska posted a 6-4, 6-1 win at third singles. Sarzynska secured a crucial break to go ahead 5-4 in the opening set before continuing that momentum in the second set, and moving her team to a 3-0 overall lead.

At first doubles, Nyla Ferdinand & Patrycja Filonik were 6-0, 6-2 winners over Arielle Fleischer & Sofia Lee Verovic, while Chase Thomas & Olivia Barker Dell came back from a set down to win 4-6, 6-2, 10-8 at second doubles to complete the shutout victory for Beacon.

For Beacon, it’s the program’s second “A” title in the last three years, and the first under Miller, who made his head coaching debut for the team this season.

“I thanked the players for welcoming me and allowing me to be a member of this incredible team,” added Miller. “I was very fortunate to take over a team that was so disciplined and high-performing, and a lot of the credit has to go to Ms. Choi, who was the head coach before me. The players were so skilled and approached the season professionally. As head coach, I made sure to stay out of their way when I needed to and helped out when it was necessary.”