Jamaica falls short but Alegre finishes strong

As first singles, Jamaica’s Emeltri Alegre inevitably faces the opposition’s top player. It led to an uneven season for the Beavers’ senior, who, after going 12-0 as a junior in second singles, was just 3-6 during the regular season this year.
That all changed in the playoffs. Coincidence or not, his run of four straight victories coincided with a visit from his older brother, Lyndl Alegre, 22, back home after a tour of duty overseas in Iraq with the United States National Guard.
During the quarterfinals, Lyndl Alegre came to watch Jamaica upend Newtown, and Emeltri Alegre register a straight set victory. “I look up to him,” Emeltri Alegre said. “He’s a role model. He was cheering me on, making me laugh. … That really motivated me a lot, seeing him there.”
Alegre went on to win that match, and two more, going 4-0 in the playoffs to help Jamaica reach the PSAL ‘B’ final, where they fell to top-seeded Goldstein, 4-1, Monday afternoon at Queens College.
It was a tough showing for the Beavers, who lost in straight sets in three matches in addition to second singles Terrence Mohamed dropping a three-setter to Seem Lee.
Despite the loss, Coach Susan Sutera, in her 18th season, was pleased with the season. At the start of the year, the goal was to win the division, which they did. Then once the playoffs started, she instilled a motto of playing “one more day.” Essentially, they achieved that goal, too.
“Getting to [the finals] was a great thing for these kids. They work really hard,” she said. “I’m proud of all of them.”
And for good reason. Unlike many other elite tennis programs in Queens, and the entire city for that matter, players who try out for the team usually have a background in the sport. At Jamaica, varsity members often start from scratch.
“I get kids who come in not knowing how to play,” Sutera said. “They play and play and play, and they get skilled. It’s challenging, but we get nice kids who are dedicated. … I guarantee you a lot of these kids will be involved with [New York Junior Tennis League] this summer because they’ve been here and want to [get better].”
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In the PSAL girls ‘B’ final, William Bryant fell to High School of American Studies at Lehman College, 3-2. Michelle Lau won in second singles and Alisa Jaganjac took home third singles for the Owls, but they lost in straight sets in the other three matches.