The Newark Academy girls’ tennis team brought home the Essex County Tournament (ECT) title on Saturday afternoon. This was the Minutemen’s first ECT win in 23 years (last title was in 2001). With this win, Newark Academy improved to an impressive 12-0 record.

The Minutemen opened up the tournament on Tuesday, September 17 with a commanding 5-0 win over Belleville. They then blanked eighth-ranked West Essex later that day in the quarterfinals to advance to the semifinals on Saturday morning. Newark Academy bested Montclair Kimberley Academy 4-1 in the semifinal round. They then advanced to the final, overcoming the second-seeded traditional rival Millburn Millers 4-1 for the title.

Newark Academy now has their eyes set on the state tournament which begins at the end of September. They hope to reclaim the title, which they last won in 2021. The team is back to their regular season programming on Monday when they head to Verona for a 4 p.m. start.