In eighth grade, Julia Andreach lost in the semifinals of the New York state girls tennis championship.
In ninth grade, she lost in the final match in three sets 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 despite holding a 4-3 lead in the third.
As a sophomore and now a three-time All-Greater Rochester Player of the Year, Andreach became the first girl in Section V history to bring home a state title either singles or doubles.
“I don’t think (winning it all) was as important to me last year,” Andreach said. “Last year I just wanted to do better than I did the year before. This year I was more focused on winning.”
Andreach, 15, was coming off her third straight undefeated regular season looking to add another line on her still young tennis career's resume.
The journey to the finals this year wasn’t an easy one, but Andreach made it look that way.
Standing in her way in the state quarterfinals was sixth-seeded Sarah Bodewes of Pittsford Mendon and defending state champion Caitlyn Ferrante (Yorktown) in the semifinals.
Andreach convincingly won both matches 6-0, 6-0.
She then defeated No. 1-seeded freshman Rachel Arbitman (Hewlett, Section VIII) 6-4, 6-2 in the final at the Tri-Center Fitness Club in Latham, outside of Albany.
“Last year I got ahead of myself when I was up 4-3 and 30-love,” Andreach said. “Going into this finals match I just wanted to take it point-by-point and focus on my breathing so I didn’t get ahead of myself and keep my mind relaxed.”
Although she’s still early in her tennis career, the Mercy standout still has a lot of goals and is playing tennis year-round.
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The summer before her sophomore season she won the Bronze Ball at the super-national tournament, placing third in the clay-court division out of 256 people in her age group. She also recently placed eighth out of a field of 64 in the Eddie Herr International Junior Championships in Florida in the 16-year-old age-group in early December.
“My teachers have been flexible,” said Andreach who is missing school to compete. “I met with them before I left (to get the work) and they’ve been supportive and generous … I think the school is supportive too because missing three weeks is a lot but staying on top of everything has been easy.”
Up until last year Andreach was playing soccer for Empire United but decided to give up soccer to focus on tennis. When she did, her United State Tennis Association national ranking skyrocketed. As of December 2, Andreach is ranked No. 16 in the country in the 16-year-old age group.
It was a tough decision for her to give up soccer because she enjoys being a part of a team. And that feeling of camaraderie is why she would enjoy to continue playing high school tennis instead of opting to just strictly compete nationally.
And if she decides to play her remaining two years of varsity tennis, don’t expect her to stop making history.
Meet the athletes who make up this year's All-Greater Rochester girls tennis team. Jamie Germano
FIRST TEAM
Julia Andreach, Mercy
Sophomore was the Section V, state qualifier and state champion. Also likes to travel, listen to music, do community service and hang out with family and friends. Has a 94 average.
Sarah Bodewes, Pittsford Mendon
Posted 14-1 record in regular season and 22-3 overall mark after sectionals and states. Advanced to state quarterfinals. Plays USTA tournaments and my ranking is 27th in the girls 16s. MVP for team two years in a row. Part of community service club (Interact Club). Enjoys taking business, history and psychology classes.
Jessica Bodewes, Pittsford Mendon
Freshman went undefeated at third singles (15-0) and was 26-2 overall. Won Class BB sectionals with doubles partner Joyce Luo and advanced to finals of state qualifiers. Placed fifth at states. Plays in USTA tournaments. Enjoys listening to music and playing with her dogs. Participates in the Sources of Strength group at school.
Triniti Boykin, North Rose-Wolcott
Class C/CC sectional champion and Wayne County Tournament champion a fourth consecutive year. Recorded 104 career victories. Also runs indoor track, plays softball and is a cheerleader. Involved in Varsity Club, Student Council (class treasurer). Member of National Honor Society. Works as a cashier at a local pharmacy. Will attend University of California, Santa Barbara and and wants to be an endangered species biologist.
Catherine Gamble, Webster Schroeder
Won sectionals for a second straight season (first singles in 2017, doubles in 2016) and made finals in team sectionals. Trains at Midtown Athletic Club. Likes to stay active by training and playing tennis as much as possible. Loves to be with friends and family.
Abby Guyon, Penfield
Started tennis as sophomore hoping to find a new sport to play. Posted a 12-1 record in singles. Has a 96 average. Participated in theater for 11 years and volleyball for just as long. Had a great time playing with Caitlin Hogan and Penfield.
Caitlin Hogan, Penfield
Sophomore played first singles for fourth straight season but finished second in sectional Class AA doubles and third at state qualifiers. Advanced to quarterfinals in consolation round at states. A first-team All-County selection and two-time AGR pick. Scholar-Athlete. Enjoys hanging out with family and friends.
Josie Libby, Pittsford Sutherland
Freshman posted 10-3 record at first singles and has played first singles for two straight seasons. Finished third in state qualifiers and advanced to second round of states. Also was second in Class BB sectionals. Enjoys helping out at Midtown Athletic Club, teaching younger kids tennis.
Joyce Luo, Pittsford Mendon
Team captain finished fifth at states in doubles with Jess Bodewes and claimed Class BB sectional title. Undefeated in regular season, only dropped three games during individual sectionals. Participates in Model UN, Science Olympiad and Tutoring Club. Performed in the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra for five years and principal cellist this year. Volunteers at the Gantt Community Center in the city through ROCMusic, where she teaches children in an orchestra. Loves cooking, writing, and reading.
Sarah Marro, Victor
Three-time captain and team MVP, won Section V Class AA doubles tournament and Section V state qualifier, as well as member of sectional team champion. Advanced to state quarterfinals with Emily Stanley. Went 14-1 at singles. IB diploma candidate, member of National Honor Society, Student Council vice president. Selected for school's Inaugural Sportsmanship Committee.
Gwenneth Mattia, Pittsford Sutherland
Sophomore was All-County selection in second singles, advanced to state qualifiers and won two matches. Also plays USTA Tournament tennis all year long. Plays piano and has been a "buddy" for the Challenger Baseball program for five years.
Emily Stanley, Victor
Partnered with Sarah Marro for doubles and went undefeated while advancing to the state quarterfinals. As first singles, went 11-4 including team sectionals. Blue Devils also won team sectionals. A varsity tennis player since seventh grade. Plays viola and participates with Victor's Philharmonic Orchestra. Enjoys playing with dogs and hanging out with younger sister, Taylor. Member of National Honor Society and participates in Key Club and does volunteer work.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Carl McDonough, Brighton
Retired human resource development specialist also coached alpine skiing at Brighton and tennis at Churchville-Chili. Married to wife, Renate, and has a daughterl, Karin. Participates in USA Masters ski racing and enjoys good jazz.
Meet the rest of the 2017 AGR Fall teams
Football | Boys Soccer | Girls Soccer | Boys Volleyball | Girls Volleyball | Boys Cross Country | Girls Cross Country | Girls Swimming | Girls Golf | Field Hockey
Read: Past AGR teams | Search our database: Every AGR team since 1967 l 2017 AGR Spring Teams | 2016-17 AGR Winter Teams | 2016 AGR Fall Teams
