In a season of great unknowns due to COVID-19, the Minutemaids tennis program continues to compete and play every match as if it were their last.

The team posted a 4-6 record though Oct. 22 and has handled the changes that come with playing during a pandemic well.

Gone are the pre-game and post-game handshakes, replaced by distanced racket taps to show sportsmanship.

COVID protocols for most NJSIAA-sanctioned sports are very similar: Players are not required to wear masks while participating, but they must wear them off the court and when on the bus. Also, opponents use separate tennis balls when holding serve.

Two stars of the program, Marisa Oldrati ’21 and Aamirah Byrd ’21, were recently named the 2020 Gloucester County doubles champions on Oct. 11.

Oldrati is in her second season, while Byrd is in her third at the varsity level.

“Winning this match made COVID feel almost nonexistent, no matter how weird that may sound. Being on the court and just letting all your emotions out made it easy to black out any other negatives occurring in life,” Byrd said.

Oldrati had a similar thought.

“During the tournament, I never felt like COVID was a thing. We were just out there hustling and doing what we love, playing tennis,” Oldrati said.

Despite coming in as the top seed in the doubles bracket, Oldrati and Byrd knew they were still in for challenging matches.

“The match environment was extremely intense,” Oldrati said. “I didn’t breathe until after we won the final game.”

Byrd felt the same way.

“Honestly, it was so surreal. As soon as we closed out the final point of that last game, a rush of shock just went through me,” Byrd noted.

With a tremendous victory under their belts, Oldrati and Byrd reflected on what this season meant to them and being able to have their families support them during their efforts.

“Our families were both cheering after every point we won,” Byrd said. “Overall, the coaches and other players were cordial.”

“It was a big change having to wear our masks off the court, coming in contact with anyone, but just being there made everything worth it.”

Oldrati and Byrd look to help lead their program through the final stretch of the season.