The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS) girls tennis team stayed unbeaten at 3-0, with a decisive 5-0 win over the Sandwich Blue Knights in the first-ever meeting between the teams on a sunny Thursday afternoon at the Ned Fennessy courts in Oak Bluffs.
Sophomore Kelly Klaren was first off the courts, with a brisk 6-0, 6-0 win over Sabrina Gonzalez at second singles. Kelly had missed the home opener due to a wrist sprain, but reported to The Times after her match Thursday that it was “feeling good.”
First doubles power duo Victoria Scott and Lizzie Williamson soon followed, sweeping Alex Birch and Anna Dykeman 6-0, 6-0.
Freshman Hannah Rabasca, who missed last Tuesday’s match and yesterday’s practice due to illness, bounced back with gusto and won her match with Caroline Breen 6-1, 6-0.
“I was a little nervous at first, but then I started putting my game back together and pulled through the second set,” Hannah said after the match.
Kat Roberts was strong as always at first singles, defeating Jade Ferguson 6-0, 6-1.
Freshmen sisters Molly and Paige Pogue, “the Pogue girls,” as co-coach Nina Bramhall affectionately called out to them, beat Sophie Esdale and Carol Lewis at second doubles 6-0, 6-2.
By 4 pm, one hour after the match started, everyone was done.
“We didn’t start with each other this season, because we had some sickness going around, so it’s nice to just be back together and have fun on the court,” Lizzie Williamson said.
“Our focus today was just staying focused, and we were trying to capitalize on what we could and get shots back,” doubles partner Victoria Scott added.
Both Lizzie and Victoria are off to Nick Bollettieri IMG Tennis Academy next week for April break in Bradenton, Fla.
“We’re getting in the mindset of training hard, and everyone is really harnessing in this year,” Lizzie said.
Other team members are also off to tennis camps next week. Ms. Bramhall said that unlike other teams who keep up with practice over spring break, her team has a “true break.”
The Vineyarders have a week off for April vacation, then return to a crazy schedule, playing 13 matches within four weeks.
The girls host Falmouth on Tuesday, April 25, at 4 pm.
