Notre Dame Academy's varsity tennis team captured the first state championship in program history June 13, defeating Bedford High School 4-1 in the MIAA Division 2 State Championship match at MIT.
The top-seeded Cougars finished the season with a 19-1 record and secured the school's first state title behind victories in both singles and doubles competition.
At first singles, Sophia Lirio of Abington earned a 6-0, 6-1 victory. The Cougars also picked up a win at third singles, where Skye Bunge of Cohasset defeated her opponent 6-3, 6-2.
Notre Dame's doubles teams provided two more points in the championship match. The first doubles pairing of Clara Healey of Hanover and Vivienne La Grassa of Norwell earned a 7-5, 6-1 victory, while Caroline Kessler of Milton and Christi Schwartz of Duxbury won 6-2, 6-4 at second doubles to clinch the state title.
"This championship speaks to the hard work and perseverance our student-athletes have shown throughout the season," Notre Dame Academy President Annemarie Lynch Kenneally said in a statement. "The team embraced every challenge and showed what it means to compete with heart."
According to the school, the team worked throughout the season to build a culture rooted in resilience and grit. Notre Dame said the players consistently rose to meet tough competition while remaining focused on their goal of bringing a state championship to the Hingham school.
The championship was especially meaningful for seniors Clara Healey of Hanover, Caroline Kessler of Milton, Vivienne La Grassa of Norwell and Karen Li of Milton, who completed their Notre Dame tennis careers as state champions. The school said their leadership and dedication helped establish a culture of excellence within the program.
Notre Dame Academy also credited its coaching staff for helping guide the team to the historic achievement.
Notre Dame Academy is an independent Catholic school for girls in grades 6 through 12 in Hingham.
