Mahwah Tennis Team Wins Second State Sectional Championship in School’s History

Mahwah spring sports teams are in the midst of a winning streak. For the victorious group of Mahwah tennis players who clinched a state sectional championship late last month, the win was historic.

According to Mahwah Athletic Director Roger Pelletier, three MHS Varsity teams won state sectional championships over the past two weeks – the boys baseball team, girls softball team, and boys tennis team. While the baseball and softball teams prepped for state semi-final games Tuesday, the tennis team is still reeling from its May 20 win.

According to the team’s coach, Mahwah Phys Ed teacher Jason Schmitt, the team’s state sectional championship is only the second in the district’s history. The last was in 1980, making this team’s win the first Mahwah had had in 33 years.

“It’s definitely an underdog story,” Schmitt said. “Winning a [state sectional championship] is really difficult when you have a team that doesn’t train all year round,” he said. The win, “really speaks to how extremely hard they worked individually, how they pushed each other, and how they wanted to improve.”

Going into the championship, Mahwah was the fourth seed. The team beat Kinnelon, upset top-seeded Mountain Lakes in the semi-finals, and Pascack Hills in the finals to win.

During the regular season, both Mountain Lakes and Pascack Hills beat the Mahwah team.

“To come back and beat them was extra-special. It showed the boys’ drive and determination,” Schmitt said.

The tennis team ended its season after the win, losing in a state semi-finals match to Bernards last week.

But, Schmitt says the win was a big boost for the township’s tennis program.

“It was a great way for our senior players to go out. And, next year, we’ll have a younger team. You always want to build on your successes, and I hope that this [year’s win] will motivate them to get closer to our big goal of winning an overall state championship.”

According to NorthJersey.com reports, the Varsity baseball team won its semi-final game Tuesday, and will now defend its state championship title. The softball team fell in the semi-final round Tuesday to Hanover Park, reports said.

Stay tuned to Patch for profiles on all of the township’s winning teams.

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