Xiao, Shackelford and Ma Lead Cougars to Sweep; Braem, Flores Battle in Volleyball Loss
Nicholas Mistretta
MHS ’79 Cougar Sports Correspondent
Girls Tennis: Xiao Outlasts Denham as Cougars Blank Hopewell
Montgomery 5, Hopewell Valley 0
Tuesday, Oct. 7 — Montgomery, N.J.
In a match that tested both poise and stamina, Tongxin Xiao delivered a three-set thriller at first singles to anchor Montgomery’s 5–0 shutout over Hopewell Valley in the Central Jersey Group 4 quarterfinals.
Xiao edged Gwyneth Denham 6–0, 4–6, 7–6 (10–8) in a tense super tiebreak, setting the tone for a Cougars sweep that pushed their record to 10–2 on the season.
Behind her, Nicolette Shackelford cruised to a 6–0, 6–1 victory at second singles, while Emily Ma was flawless at third singles, posting a double bagel, 6–0, 6–0.
The doubles teams were equally sharp: Karina Konyukhov and Mihika Doshi rolled 6–3, 6–2 at first doubles, and Rachel Silverberg teamed with Lanxin Xiao for a dominant 6–2, 6–0 finish at second doubles.
With the win, Montgomery advances to the sectional semifinals, continuing what has become one of the team’s most consistent postseason runs in recent years.
Girls Volleyball: Rutgers Prep Tops Montgomery Despite Strong Defensive Effort
Rutgers Prep 2, Montgomery 0
Tuesday, Oct. 7 — Montgomery, N.J.
Montgomery fought hard but couldn’t overcome a strong Rutgers Prep attack, falling in straight sets, 25–19, 25–12.
Anna Braem led the Cougars with five kills and three digs, while Maya Flores anchored the defense with 12 digs and added four aces from the service line. Sonia Gupta contributed a balanced effort with six assists, five digs, and a kill.
Despite the loss, the Cougars showed bright moments — particularly in the first set, when they traded long rallies with the Argonauts before Rutgers Prep pulled away late.
Rutgers Prep was paced by Anushka Gubbala’s five kills and Rebecca Panacek’s 10 assists and five aces, improving their record to 10–2. Montgomery slipped to 3–13 but continues to show grit as it works through a challenging Skyland Conference schedule.
Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com