HOLMDEL, NJ — Holmdel High School’s girls tennis team made history Thursday, capturing its fifth consecutive NJSIAA Group 2 State Championship with a 3-2 victory over Mendham High School at Mercer County Park.
The Oct. 15 victory was a rematch of last year’s state final and extended the Hornets’ extraordinary run of five straight state titles, a feat reflecting years of dedication, teamwork and a commitment to excellence across multiple graduating classes.
Holmdel improved to 12-1 with the championship victory, while Mendham finished the season with a 13-3 record.
With the state title on the line, Holmdel delivered three straight-set victories to secure the championship.
At second singles, sophomore Gabriella Dekhtyarev defeated Mendham’s Maya Gieszczynski, 6-2, 6-4, helping the Hornets secure a crucial point. Senior captain Paige Piscatelli dominated at third singles, defeating Maya Vinu, 6-1, 6-1.
In first doubles, Camilla Mehdiyev and Kate Shekoff delivered another decisive performance, defeating Mendham’s Logan Hanson and Lily Hodge, 6-1, 6-0.
Mendham earned its two points at first singles and second doubles. Sofia Cicarone defeated Holmdel’s Ishaana Shah, 6-1, 6-2, at first singles. At second doubles, Mendham’s Julie Amin and Mia Larry outlasted Holmdel’s Mysha Khan and Ryan Sealove, 6-3, 7-6.
Holmdel’s three victories proved decisive, allowing the Hornets to defeat Mendham and preserve their five-year championship streak.
Five consecutive state championships represent more than individual victories. Holmdel’s sustained success reflects a program in which players across multiple graduating classes have contributed to a shared tradition of achievement.
Senior captains Piscatelli and Sealove helped lead the 2026 team as the Hornets continued that legacy.
The championship roster includes 13 student-athletes representing four grade levels.
Seniors: Paige Piscatelli, Ryan Sealove, Mysha Khan, Anastasia Komlichenko and Michelle Lemunyon.
Juniors: Zara Khan and Kate Shekoff.
Sophomores: Gabriella Dekhtyarev, Camilla Mehdiyev, Jordan Sealove and Ishaana Shah.
Freshmen: Emma Cai and Elizabeth Koo.
For the five graduating seniors, the victory marks a memorable conclusion to their high school tennis careers. The younger players now have the opportunity to build on the program’s accomplishments as they pursue future championships.
Building Support Beyond the Court
Piscatelli’s commitment to Holmdel tennis extends beyond her role as a player and captain.
As founder of the Holmdel Tennis Association, she has worked to strengthen community support for Holmdel High School’s championship boys and girls tennis programs, with a particular focus on raising funds to restore the high school’s tennis courts.
The initiative aims to help future generations of Hornets practice and compete on their home courts while building a lasting network of support among players, families, alumni and community members.
The effort reflects a commitment to preserving the program’s future and ensuring that the next generation of Holmdel tennis players has the resources and community backing to succeed.
Five Championships, One Enduring Legacy
Holmdel’s fifth consecutive Group 2 State Championship adds another milestone to the school’s athletic history. The achievement also represents the culmination of years of work by players who have helped sustain the program’s success through changing lineups and graduating classes.
As the seniors prepare to graduate, they leave behind a program with a remarkable record of accomplishment and a tradition for Hornets to carry forward.
The players will change, and new leaders will emerge, but five consecutive state championships have established a legacy that will remain part of Holmdel High School’s athletic story for years to come.
For the Hornets, the fifth title is both a celebration of what they have achieved and a foundation for what comes next.
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