Bayport-Blue Point’s girls tennis program is in “drive for five” mode, and a longtime rival is most likely what stands in the way of the Phantoms’ continuing their Suffolk Small Schools dominance.

The four-time defending county champions, who last fall captured the Long Island title and finished state runner-up, stand at 12-1 heading into the final week of the regular season.

“We’re shooting for it,” BBP coach John Selvaggio said. “It’s come down to us and Ross three of the past four years, and it could happen again. If it does, it’ll be a coin flip.”

The Phantoms and Ross, a private school based in Riverhead, could be on a collision course to meet for the Suffolk Small Schools crown on Oct. 25 at Shoreham-Wading River High School. Selvaggio is unsure what his lineup will look like that day, regardless of the opponent, but he’s got an abundance of talent on the roster.

Of the six returning award winners from 2024, three are still only freshmen: Julie Wellems, Leila Rogers and Jordana Heller. Senior Danielle Oleksiak and juniors Evie Romano and Lily Castka are the others.

Castka is a four-time all-county selection and undefeated at first singles this season after starring at second singles a year ago and winning the Division III title. “One of her goals is to win the county singles title and go to states,” Selvaggio said. “She’s like a Swiss Army Knife out there. She uses the whole court and has a lot of ways she can beat people.”

Romano is another four-time all-county player and also a two-time all-state honoree. She’s a powerful baseliner and a perfect doubles partner for anyone, Selvaggio said. Evie could be paired with younger sister Eden Romano, an eighth grader who the coach described as the team’s most-improved over the past month.

Rogers and Heller can play singles or doubles. In fact, they teamed up in last year’s Long Island championship match and helped beat Cold Spring Harbor with a doubles victory. Heller brings strong ground strokes from the baseline, while Rogers uses her height to her advantage and is a strong net presence.

The left-handed Oleksiak, a two-time all-county doubles player, topnotch student and a tremendous leader, Selvaggio said, relies on her steady play to wear down the competition. “She’s great at keeping the ball in play and creating opportunities for her partner to finish points,” the coach noted.   

Wellems was a feel-good story last season and now an integral part of BBP’s success. She began last year as reserve, earned a spot in the lineup and finished all-county. “Her potential is through the roof,” said Selvaggio, in his 17th year coaching in the program and second as the helm of the varsity team.