Game! Set! Match! Harlem Girl’s Tennis team had a memorable season, especially for Melina Coletta (11) and Ana Besevic (11). The duo played at the #1 varsity spot for doubles this year, tied for second in conference, and made it to state. This was the first time that Harlem High School Girls Tennis Team has had state qualifiers since 2016.

State was held at Hersey High school in Arlington Heights, IL, and the match was played at Conant High School in Hoffman Estates, IL. Though Besevic and Coletta did not win the state title, they both came back with memories that will last a lifetime.

“We had some very tough competition, we had two matches before we were eliminated. If you look at the scores it didn’t go great but it was an incredible learning experience, the competition we played there was phenomenal. It was really great to experience playing with new people with different skill sets and styles,” states Coletta.

The pair has not only the memories to bring back with them, but was also introduced to new ways of playing by other schools.

“[At state] they showed us what we really have to work on and how people use these tactics and how we can use them next year to play with the NIC-10,” says Besevic.

When asked, both Besevic and Coletta elaborated on how they have been working hard to earn this title. They have had this goal since they began playing, and they have worked in the off season to gain the skills necessary to play at a higher level, at college or further.

Both have taken this as a learning experience. “You cannot let small things get in the way no matter what or what it is. You have to lose sometimes, you can’t always win,” says Besevic.

For Coletta, she enjoyed the team aspect of a sport that is not normally team concentrated. “It took both of us to get there and it is cool because you have someone to celebrate with and someone to share the experience with and make those memories with. It was really an incredible experience,” she said.

Both have had a memorable season, as well as the rest of the team. They are excited to see what is in store for the rest of their high school careers, and many are proud of their accomplishments so far.