Girls tennis crowned state champs third year in a row

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The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School girls tennis team concluded their 2017 season with a smashing win over Monument Mountain High School of Great Barrington, the Division 3 West champions, on Wednesday afternoon at St. John’s High School in Shrewsbury.

This is the third state championship title for the girls team. The team defeated Hopedale in the MIAA state championship matchup the previous two years.

Kat Roberts defeated Gabi DeFelice at first singles, 6-0, 6-2. Kelly Klaren beat Hailey Higgins at second singles, 6-2, 6-1. Hannah Rabasca defeated Ava Guidette at third singles, 6-1, 6-0.

Lizzie Williamson and Victoria Scott beat Lexi Shumsky and Olivia Jaffe at first doubles, 6-0, 6-0. Molly and Paige Pogue won against Emily Rada and Dani DeFelice at second doubles, 6-3, 6-4.

Coach Nina Bramhall was thrilled at the victory. “I thought everybody played terrifically today,” she said. “This was a good team. There were a lot of nerves. but there was a lot on the line. Doesn’t matter who you’re playing, this is the state championship.”

Ms. Bramhall said she was very proud of the freshmen playing in their first state championship. “And of course our veteran juniors and seniors turned in the kind of performances we’ve come to expect from them,” she said. “A proud moment for all.”

This concludes the season for the team, who won 57 matches in a row between the 2015 and 2017 seasons.

“There’s nothing to argue with, the season was almost flawless,” Ms. Bramhall said. “The girls played great all season, and I’m really thrilled.

The girls returned victoriously to Vineyard Haven, holding the championship trophy high as they disembarked from the ferry. They were greeted by fanfare from family, friends, and the Oak Bluffs, West Tisbury and Tisbury fire and police departments.