Gov. Livingston Girls Tennis Senior Night Sweep Roselle Park October 2026

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ — Before the first serve Wednesday night, Gov. Livingston girls tennis paused to honor four seniors who have anchored the program in recent years. Then Sarah Bu, Bryanna Pasuco, Emily Huang and Sana Sheikh went out and delivered a dominant 5-0 sweep of Roselle Park at the Columbia Courts.

The match, played under the lights, was a rarity for the Highlanders. No one in attendance could recall the program playing a night match before.

Teammates, coaches and families gathered courtside for a ceremony where the coaching staff shared individual tributes to each senior. Head Coach Joey Panchenko and Coach Bailey Krasovec thanked team parents for their support in organizing the celebration.

“We’re here tonight to honor our four seniors who have been cornerstones of our team these past few years,” Krasovec told the crowd.

Honoring the Seniors

Sana Sheikh, who plans a future in medicine, is a certified EMT. Coaches described her as a consistent player and great partner who gives her all to the team despite a demanding schedule. “We will miss you, Sana, and know you’re on to great things,” the coach said.

Bryanna “Bry” Pasuco was called a pillar of the team and a calming presence for her doubles partner. Coaches highlighted her “tranquil strength,” willingness to help, and composure on and off the court.

Emily Huang was described as a quiet competitor and a “super weapon” on the court, someone who gets along with everyone and stays even-keeled in any situation.

Sarah Bu, called the team’s “pride and joy,” was praised for her wit, personality, and angled crosscourt shots. Coaches noted that Bu and Pasuco, who play first doubles together, will leave a void that will be hard to fill.

“Thank you so much to Sarah, Bry, Emily and Sana for all that you brought to the team,” Panchenko said. “Best of luck in all that you do.”

Strong Performance on Senior Night

The Highlanders won all five matches in straight sets. Lucia Gratson won at first singles, Sophie Sanchez at second singles, and Riya Khader at third singles. The seniors closed out the sweep with victories at doubles: Bu and Pasuco won at first doubles, while Huang and Sheikh won at second doubles.

The win was part of a strong Highlander Week for Gov. Livingston athletics, with field hockey, boys and girls soccer, and volleyball also picking up victories.

“The confidence of the girls has definitely grown as the season has progressed,” Panchenko said.

Season Context

Gov. Livingston finished fifth as a team at the Union County Tournament, with strong performances up and down the lineup. The second doubles team of Huang and Sheikh placed third, while Sara Romero and Sanchez each finished fourth in their singles brackets.

Panchenko noted that depth has become key to the team’s success, with competition for lineup spots pushing players to improve. The team’s state tournament run ended Tuesday in the sectional quarterfinals with a 4-1 loss to top-seeded Mendham (12-2). Bu and Pasuco earned the Highlanders’ sole point with a 7-6 (7-2), 6-2 win at second doubles.

Despite the loss, Panchenko sees potential for improvement. With juniors Gratson, Romero, and Sanchez returning to lead the singles lineup, “next year we should be even better,” he said.

FAQ:

Q: What happened at Gov. Livingston girls tennis senior night?
A: The team swept Roselle Park 5-0 in an evening match at Columbia Courts, with four seniors honored before the matches: Sarah Bu, Bryanna Pasuco, Emily Huang, and Sana Sheikh.

Q: Who were the four seniors?
A: Sarah Bu, Bryanna Pasuco, Emily Huang, and Sana Sheikh. All four play doubles for the team.

Q: What was the match result?
A: Gov. Livingston swept Roselle Park 5-0, winning all five matches in straight sets.

Q: Who won each match?
A: First singles: Lucia Gratson; Second singles: Sophie Sanchez; Third singles: Riya Khader; First doubles: Bu & Pasuco; Second doubles: Huang & Sheikh.

Q: Why was this match special?
A: The match was played under the lights, which was a rarity for the Gov. Livingston program. No one in attendance could recall the team playing a night match before.

Q: How did the team perform this season?
A: The team finished 5th at the Union County Tournament and lost in the state sectional quarterfinals to top-seeded Mendham (4-1). Several players placed in the county tournament.

Q: Will the team be competitive next year?
A: Yes. The core of the singles lineup is returning, including juniors Lucia Gratson, Sara Romero, and Sophie Sanchez, who are the team’s top three singles players.