Martha’s Vineyard downs Hanover in state boys tennis tourney

0
Patrick McCarthy hits a forehand during his 8-2 win Monday afternoon in the second singles match against Hanover. — Photo by Ralph Stewart

The top seeded Vineyard boys tennis team started off the MIAA Division 3 state tournament with a 5-0 south sectional quarterfinal victory over eighth seeded Hanover, Monday afternoon at the Vineyard Tennis Center.

The teams were forced to play indoors due to the rainy weather and time constraints at VTC limited the action to eight game pro sets.

The doubles teams took to the court first and the Vineyarders concluded their business within 20 minutes. Natty Schneider and Jackson McBride won 8-0 at first doubles. Justin Smith and Ryan Sawyer triumphed 8-1.

Patrick McCarthy clinched the Vineyard win with an 8-2 win at second singles. Kent Leonard followed moments later with an 8-3 victory in the first singles match. Justice Yennie won 8-1 at third singles to make the sweep complete.

The Vineyarders (19-0) will play at home on Wednesday in the sectional semi-final against the winner of Tuesday’s match between Seekonk and Cape Cod Academy.

M.V. beat CCA twice during the regular season. Both matches were 3-2 thrillers.

Tuesday, the spotlight shifts to the third seeded Vineyard girls, who entertain sixth seeded Fairhaven. The match is scheduled to take place on the MVRHS courts at 2:30pm, weather permitting. In case of rain, the match will move to the Vineyard Tennis Center.