The 2021 Emmaus girls tennis season was, according to the team’s head coach, incredible.

“Awesome,” said coach Robert Dragotta. “The Emmaus girls tennis team had an awesome dual match season.”

The numbers back that statement. A 17-1 regular season record with the only loss coming to East Penn Conference and District 11 champion Parkland. In addition, the Hornets improved dramatically from the abbreviated 2020 season when they registered a 5-6 record.

The Hornets had a strong one-through-three singles contingent, who for the most part played competitively in all matches, winning the majority. Leading the way was senior Jocelyn Chow who served as the team’s No. 1 singles player. Shelby Carter, a junior, handled No. 2 duties effectively and senior Riley Stuckey played well in the No. 3 slot.

The fact the trio was solid did not surprise many followers. The strength of the doubles teams was somewhat surprising. At No. 2 Teya Gougoustamos and Indira Tatikola, both seniors, were outstanding. The pair won almost every match and when they were beat, it was usually only after a fight.

At No. 3 Payton McGlory, a senior, and junior Liza Duerholz also provided consistently good tennis for Dragotta. Alyssa Mugavero and Katie Smith along with Maddie Everett and Sydney Gosselin contributed to the Hornet cause.

“Our singles were good players and our doubles teams were our strength,” said Dragotta. “The doubles ended the dual matches 51-3.”

McGlory and Duerholz continued their fine play into the EPC tournament, where they were crowned No. 3 doubles champions, while Mugavero and Smith were No. 4 champions.

The team did not find that type of postseason success in District 11 competition. However, for Dragotta the year was rewarding and easy to describe.

“It was a fun season,” he said.