This year’s girls varsity tennis team from Wellington High School had what is widely believed to be the most memorable season in program history. This year’s squad, under the leadership of head coach Peter Lang, had an undefeated regular season run, which was followed by a sweep of the Class 4A district and regional titles.
Unfortunately, the season came to an end at the Florida High School Athletic Association’s (FHSAA) Class 4A state finals, which were held from April 30 to May 2 at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs.
According to Lang, the regional championship was the program’s second straight, which meant a second-straight trip to the state finals for the girls tennis team.
Wellington entered the state tournament with an undefeated 21-0 record. In the quarterfinals, Wellington upset the higher-seeded Spruce Creek High School from Port Orange, 4-3.
According to Lang, the clinching point came from the singles match in the fifth line involving sophomore Laasya Movva. Her match was the last one to finish. As a result, her win gave Wellington its all-important fourth point and the upset victory against its higher-seeded opponent.
After a short break, Wellington played its next match against second-seeded Miami Palmetto High School. While Wellington played well, the team did not play well enough and suffered its first and only defeat of the season, 4-1, in the state semifinals to the eventual state winner.
Lang was delighted by his team’s performance throughout the season, especially at the state tournament.
“I told my players that this accomplishment — going undefeated in the regular season and winning both district and regional titles — will be with them for the rest of their lives,” Lang said.
Wellington’s top player in the singles draw was sophomore Raya Dittfurth, who had not lost a match all season. At states, she ended up finishing in second place and earning a silver medal.
According to Lang, since the majority of his top players are not seniors, there’s a good chance that Wellington will return to the state tennis tournament in 2026.
