The girls tennis team is headed back to the state finals for the second year in a row after sweeping Weston High School 5-0 in the division 3 semifinals Tuesday afternoon.

The win puts the number one seeded Vineyarders at 19-0 on the season, and ready to avenge last year’s state final loss. 

The match was held at Falmouth High School, a neutral site for the two teams, but just a boat trip away for the Vineyard team and their loyal fans.

Assistant coach Eddie Stahl was feeling confident as the players warmed up before the match began.

“It’s maritime tennis,” he said, pointing the bright sun and heavy winds. “That’s what we are used to on the Island.”

Mr. Stahl was wearing his lucky scarf, an off-pink number he wraps around his head and neck as if traveling through the Saraha Desert.

“It’s tradition and a superstition,” he said, noting that after he wore it for a few matches and the team kept winning he couldn’t change his look.

Coach Stahl said the girls had a great week of practice and were still having fun, despite the pressure of being the top seed.

“That is key,” he said.

Charlotte Marshard at second singles was the first player to post a win, cruising to a 6-1, 6-1 victory. 

“The wind was challenging, but we are used to it,” she said, echoing her coaches. “I used it to my advantage, not trying to over complicate anything. I let the wind help me instead of hurt me.”

After winning the first set 6-1, the second doubles team of Tessa Schulz and Bella Schilling got behind in the second set before rallying to win it 6-4.

Josie Johns, a freshman playing at third singles, clinched the match with a 7-5, 6-2 victory.

“It feels amazing,” she said, after walking off the court. “I got steadier with my strokes as the match went on.”

Laina Dubin at first singles was next off the court, winning 6-3, 6-2, and then all eyes turned to the first doubles team of Zoe Treitman and Leah Thomson, who had split sets with their opponents and were battling it out in a third set tiebreaker. Treitman and Thomson prevailed in the tiebreaker, securing the 5-0 sweep.

Dubin was all smiles at the end of the match, thinking about the team’s return to the state finals.

“There are definitely nerves, but we are excited too, and I think more confident this year, being undefeated,” she said.

The team then gathered for a victory photo but there was one person missing on the court: Coach Bill Rigali.

“Coach Bill,” the girls called out, but Coach Rigali just waved and shook his head from outside the court.

“I haven’t been in a picture all year,” he said. “I can’t start now.”

Superstitions run deep among the coaches, but who can blame them, with a perfect season on the line.

“I am so proud of the girls and happy for them,” Coach Rigali said after the match. “We will give it our best shot on Saturday.”

The Vineyard takes on the winner of Dover-Sherborn, who they lost to in last year’s state final match, and Swampscott, who play their semifinal match on Wednesday. The state finals will be played on Saturday at MIT, with a time still to be determined.