On Aug. 24, the Pascack Hills Girls Tennis Team attended the U.S. Open Tennis Championship qualifying round. The tournament starts on the last Monday of August and continues for two weeks. It was held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, N.Y. 

The event consists of championships in five main categories: men’s singles and doubles, women’s singles and doubles, and mixed doubles. There are also events for junior, senior, and quadriplegic players. It is the fourth and final Grand Slam Tennis Tournament that features top players from around the world.

“It was an amazing experience because there were so many amazing upcoming players,” said Hills sophomore Jordan Lewis, a member of the Junior Varsity team. 

Spectators can watch some of their favorite athletes practice on the courts prior to the matches. This year, the team watched players such as Rafael Nadal, among others. 

As the first year in attendance post-pandemic, there was excitement among both the students and faculty. 

Coach Eric Ganz said, “Coach Saxon and I feel this is one of the best experiences the team has in their athletic career. It is really beneficial from a tennis standpoint, but even more importantly, it is a wonderful team bonding experience to start the season.”

Steven Papa, athletic director at Hills, also spoke on what the students learned from the tournament. 

“The kids and coaches thoroughly enjoyed the trip and gained some knowledge about tennis along the way,” he said, “It was a great experience for our tennis athletes and the coaches to see tennis athletes at that high level of competition.”

Following the tournament, the team competed against Bergen County Technical Schools in a scrimmage. Although defeated 6-0, the players are hopeful for the upcoming season.

“The tennis team has been working hard preparing for the season,” said Hills junior and tennis player Marli Golden. “The U.S. Open was a great break from practice, but made us even more excited.”