Goldstein’s Becky Shtilkind finished her excellent school season by making the Mayor’s Cup final. (Damion Reid)
Arielle Griffin had perfect timing Sunday – almost.
The Cardozo sophomore was precise in a 6-4, 6-3 win against Goldstein sophomore Becky Shtilkind in the Mayor’s Cup individual championship match at the Billie Jean King USTA National Tennis Center. Then she briskly walked across the facility, making it right on time to receive her award at a ceremony that started while she was still playing.
“And then it started raining,” Griffin said with a smile.
But that wasn’t enough to put a damper on a banner day for the rising star. Griffin, who is ranked No. 13 in the Eastern region, has been playing excellent tennis of late. Playing at second singles she helped lead Cardozo to its third straight PSAL Class A city team final last month and really wanted to play well this week during the Mayor’s Cup individuals after missing the team final last weekend due to an outside tournament.
“It means a lot,” Griffin said. “I didn’t get to play for my team in the finals. I feel like I kind of made up for it. … I’m glad to be representing my school.”
Shtilkind, who came in No. 11 in the Eastern rankings, felt the same way. She helped lead Goldstein to its first PSAL Class A final appearance last month and defeated Cardozo first singles Leighann Sahagun when the Judges star retired. Sahagun didn’t compete in the Mayor’s Cup individuals because of a tournament this weekend in Philadelphia.
“The entire season Goldstein had was huge,” Shtilkind said. … “I felt like I took it even further [Sunday].”
Not as far as she wanted, though. Shtilkind said she was a bit nervous playing in front of a big crowd with multiple video and still cameras pointed at her.
“I was tight,” she said. “I couldn’t give it my all. … I never played with so many people and line judges before.”
But she didn’t want to take anything away from Griffin either.
“She played well, can’t say anything bad about her performance,” Shtilkind said. … “I know she’s a great player. You can tell by the way she played.”
Griffin stressed the importance of team Sunday, especially after she and Sahagun missed the team final last weekend. Coach Neil Baskin was upset and initially threatened to kick both of them off the Cardozo squad before relenting. Griffin said that she was never told the date of the Mayor’s Cup team championship and booked herself in an important tournament in New Jersey.
That wasn’t important Sunday, though. Griffin was just happy to enjoy a Cardozo sweep – Judges star Jon Raude won the Mayor’s Cup boys title by beating Asika Isoh.
“I guess my school makes champions,” she said.
