(March 29, 2013) The Stephen Decatur girls’ tennis team shut out the Pocomoke Warriors, 7-0, in the season opener last Friday on the road.
The Lady Seahawks who won their first through fifth singles matches were seniors Madison Pope (forfeit), Emmalee Murrell (8-1), Tori Whigham (8-2), Libby Withers (8-3) and Lexi Ashton (8-1).
Juniors Ashley DePaul and Charlotte Petsche outscored their first doubles competition 8-0.
Sophomore Delaney Iacona and junior Valerie Petsche earned an 8-0 victory at second doubles.
“For the few days we’ve been outside and had the ability to hit, I thought the girls played well,” said Coach Jamie Greenwood. The weather has been a factor for teams this spring. Snow, for instance, caused the cancellation of practice the day before the March 22 match.
Leading the boys’ team to a 5-2 victory, were seniors Tim VanVonno and Joe Iacona, who topped their second and third singles opponents 8-1 and 8-0, respectively. Logan Simpson, a senior, logged an 8-0 shutout at fifth singles.
First doubles partners, juniors Chase Eslin and Zach Elmer, edged out their competition 8-5.
Junior Tyler Angelo and senior Steven Redner, newcomers to the Decatur team, won their second doubles match 8-0.
Coach Steve Berquist said the Seahawks played well overall and that it was a good start to the season.
“I was really pleased. Pocomoke had a good team,” Berquist said. “Tim and Joe really handled their players and Logan played great at fifth singles. First doubles was a tough match, but they pulled it out, and Tyler and Steven’s teamwork from soccer carried over and they did a great job.”
Decatur will travel to Princess Anne and play the Washington Jaguars on Tuesday.
