OWEGO – The Norwich Purple Tornado girls’ tennis team kicked off the 2025 season on Wednesday with a road match at Owego Apalachin. While Norwich fell 6-1, the team showed determination and fought hard in several closely contested matches.

Riley Wolford competed at first singles against Owego’s Merri Wescott, but fell in two sets, 6-4 and 6-3. At second singles, Finley Farrow pushed Jana Nikulich to three sets, taking the first 6-3 before dropping the next two 6-1. Rori Gates (third singles) and Paulina He (fourth singles) also battled hard but fell in straight sets.

In doubles, Norwich saw a bright spot as Mara Lanfair and Giuliana O’Reilly earned a win by forfeit. Selina Lian and Marianna Chetronie had a tightly contested match against Hailey Grip and Maddie Delaney, falling 6-4, 7-6 (8-6). Maria Miranda-Cruz and Skylr Newman also put up a strong fight against Shatha Alotaibi and Emma Dixon, but fell 7-5, 7-5.

Coach Nikki Brooks was encouraged by the team’s effort and energy. With roughly 16 players on the roster this season, Norwich has a strong, deep squad that is gaining valuable experience in every match.

Norwich (0-1) heads to Windsor this afternoon at 4:30 p.m., looking to build on the lessons from the season opener.