Coming off this season with a record of 10 to 1, the bears were placed in the Top 20 rankings for the second consecutive year. They had beat J.P. Stevens No.3 twice, including in the sectional final, Marlboro No.5 in the sectional semifinals, and other strong teams within Middlesex County such as Monroe, South Brunswick and Old Bridge, to win the Central East A regional tournament title making the Bears the team of the year in NJ.

The girls are a strong team led by an equally passionate and energetic coach. “I was going to retire after last year” coach, Deborah Mangino explains, “then this (pandemic) happened and I was like I can’t leave now until these kids are seniors. I love them so much. They are an unbelievable group of kids. This is a special group. I’ll be coaching for another two years at least. But then, of course we’ll get more kids coming in and I won’t be able to stop. Not only are they amazing tennis players, but they are amazing kids.”

This season was unlike many others, but it showcased the team’s overall integrity and perseverance, along with their dedication to the sport. The girls did an amazing job this year showing that they are the team to watch.