Leon Goldstein Captures PSAL 1A Championship
Leon Goldstein captured the 2024 PSAL 1A Championship on Thursday as the Dolphins edged High School of American Studies at Lehman College 3-2 at Queens College.
“To be city champions means a lot because the players really pushed themselves hard this season and to see all that pay off with a championship is amazing,” said Leon Goldstein head coach Johnny Rolando. “It means a lot to our school with it being the first championship since 2001, and our first overall sports championship since 2015 when girls’ flag football won. We will be putting up this championship banner with a lot of pride.”
The Dolphins got on the board early as Vlajko Lalic notched a 6-1, 6-2 victory at first singles, while Leonid Shynder posted a 6-3, 6-4 win at second singles.
American Studies responded as Santiago Efron won his third singles match 6-0, 6-3 to keep his team alive.
But Leon Goldstein’s Gilad Robinson & Michael Tesis would close out the match for their team as the duo won 6-3, 6-3 at second doubles, sealing the city championship.
“The match was a close out but I had total confidence in my team that in the end we would be able to close it out with our doubles team,” Rolando added. “The team went through the same pressure in the semifinals so they were comfortable in that position, and knew what it would take to win.”
To round out the scoring, Adam Ripp & Ezra Dipietra won 6-3, 6-3 at first doubles for American Studies.
The win for Leon Goldstein not only delivered it the PSAL 1A Championship but also concluded its undefeated season at 10-0.
“To go undefeated and win the division itself was an accomplishment for us because that was the first time in many years for our school,” added Rolando. “So to go on and win the championship showed how hungry and determined this team really was. Every player from first singles to the substitutes motivated each other on and off the court and it showed the type of team we are. It’s hard to stop players that all know their role on the team, support each other and believe in the same goal which was to have a perfect season.”
