The undefeated regional high school girls’ tennis team has steamrolled its way to the finals of the division three state tournament. The Vineyarders clinched a spot in the final match of the MIAA tournament by defeating Lynnfield 3-2 at Lexington High School Wednesday afternoon. The girls play Hopedale Friday at 2:30 p.m. at St John's Prep in Shrewsbury for the state title.
The team had earned a spot in the state semifinals after a 3-2 victory over Dover-Sherborn last Friday. Wednesday’s match marks their 21st straight win in regular season and tournament play.
In much the same way the match against Dover-Sherborn unfolded, Sam Potter defeated her opponent at number one singles, and both Vineyard doubles teams posted losses. Kat Roberts and Lizzie Williamson’s matches decided the overall outcome at second and third singles. Lizzie posted a 2-1 victory, to tie the score at 2-2, leaving Kat on court at 1-1 to decide the match.
Kat had fought hard in the second set, defending a crucial match point at 6-7 in a tiebreak. Having faulted on her first serve, the entire match rode on her second serve. Kat saved the match point, and closed out the second set 9-7 to tie the score at 1-1.
“That one point would have decided the entire thing. It all came down to a second serve,” said head coach Nina Bramhall.The team stalwart entered the third set confidently and pulled off a 6-1 win to take the win at second singles — and for the whole team. “She hit a beautiful winner to end the match,” said Coach Bramhall. “It was a fantastic recovery from a really shaky start.”
For the first time in school history the Vineyard girls will advance to the finals, played against the central division champion.
The winner will claim the division three state championship. Whatever the outcome, the season goes down in history as the best ever for girls tennis, and will be one to remember.
Comments (2)
Comments
Comment policy »