(Pictured L-R Williams 1st place, Kucko 3rd, Leung 2nd, Kashou 4th)

Brittany Williams’ win over U-E’s Wing Kay Leung in the final earns her the Girls Jr. Ladder title for the third straight year. Both girls battled hard and played some great tennis in the final. Williams is a junior in high school and plays 1st singles for the Chenango Valley Warriors. This year was an atypical start for Williams as she lost a few matches in the early stages of the ladder, but bounced back strong in the second half of the regular season and in the tournament to win it all.

Both matches in the semifinal round were close and also full of great tennis. One semifinal match had Leung up against Danielle Kashou and after a tough 9-7 win, Leung moved on to the final. Kashou, a sinlges player for Seton CC last year as an 8th grader, played well this year, but was disappointed with her 4th place finish……She’ll be back.

The other semifinal match produced one of the grittiest performances I’ve seen in a long time. After badly spraining her ankle just days before the match, Jennifer Kucko went out and gave the 3-time Ladder champ all she could handle. Hobbling in between points Jen went on to battle Williams in a close 9-7 match, but came up short to the eventual champ. Kucko was given the opportunity to withdraw from the semifinal, but refused and went on to play anyway. Not only did she play the semi, but also came right back out after the match and played for 3rd and 4th place. Once again declining the opportunity to forfeit she went on to play and won the match earning her 3rd place!!!!! If the Ladder had a “Warrior of the Year” award Jen Kucko would have won it hands down.

Congratulations to all Ladder players this year. Once again the Ladder was a success that involved good fun, good match experience, and tough competition. Thank you to all parents and players that participated and we look forward to next year.