NEW MILFORD – Britney Lee could’ve skipped high school tennis.
Her schedule is busy enough as a four-star recruit and her team has won only seven matches during her career.
But Lee has worn Ridgefield Park red for four years, mentoring teammates, showing up for matches, and building a legacy in a program that had never produced a Bergen County champion – until now.
On Sept. 29, the senior closed out Dwight-Englewood’s Sylvie Yao, 6-3, 6-3, upending the defending champion in a match split over two acts. The final resumed 11 days after it was suspended due to darkness, with Lee leading 6-3, 2-1 and on serve. She wasted no time picking up where she left off.
“She’s the GOAT of Ridgefield Park tennis,” coach Mook Iannacone said. “She had more wins in her freshman year than anyone ever had here combined. She’s proven she’s the best player in the county and one of the top two in the state right now.”
Firsts were a theme this year. This was the first time the BCWCA held a championship for singles rather than folding it into the team tournament.
Lee’s variety was on display throughout the second set, from a tough backhand volley winner midway through to her clutch serving down the stretch. She made just over 70 percent of first serves on Monday after putting less than half in play almost two weeks ago.
Still, it wasn’t easy at times for Lee after visiting the doctor hours before the final to combat a lingering illness. Lee was a point away from losing control of the final after going down 0-40 while trying to serve out the match.
Then came the shot that changed everything: a one-handed, half-volley, defensive lob that floated over Yao’s head and dropped in. Lee went on to fend off three more break points in the game to claim the title.