[Photo caption: Brigitta Ohannesian, a junior lefty who has been starting at doubles in the playoffs, crushes a forehand.]
It can be difficult to beat a good team three times in the same season. That wasn’t the case on Thursday as the top-seeded Wando girls varsity tennis team cruised past fourth-seeded Carolina Forest 6-0 for a season sweep and spot in the 5A Lower State championship.
The Warriors (18-2), winners of 18 in a row, will host second-seeded Gray Collegiate (13-2) on Tuesday at a time to be determined. Tuesday is Election Day with no school in most school districts, so the starting time could be earlier than usual. It will be the first meeting between the schools.
Wando faced a familiar foe on Thursday in fellow Region 6 member Carolina Forest. Although the Warriors won both prior meetings, the Panthers, with their senior-laden roster and overall athleticism, couldn’t be overlooked.
With that in mind, Wando came out focused and ready. The Warriors played a couple of close first sets but ultimately didn’t drop one. Kinsley Matthews at #2 singles was first off the court in less than hour, crushing her opponent 6-0, 6-0.
Caroline Green at #4 and Cyanna Enright at #1 soon followed to make it 3-0. The competition at #3 and #5 singles was a bit tighter, but Tucker Adams and Mary Alice Collins found ways to fight through to victory.
In doubles, which was delayed more than an hour, Mae Keegan and Brigitta Ohannesian won their pro set 8-4 for Wando’s final point.
Carolina Forest’s season ends at 12-4, with three of those losses coming against Wando. The other loss was to 4A power Myrtle Beach.
The winner of Tuesday’s Lower State final will advance to the 5A State Championship on Saturday, Nov. 7th, in Cayce to face the Upper State winner. The Warriors are seeking their third consecutive state title.
GO WANDO!
******
WANDO 6, CAROLINA FOREST 0
Singles: Cyanna Enright def. Ellie Yates 6-0, 6-2; Kinsley Matthews def. Helena Butwin 6-0, 6-0; Tucker Adams def. Sofia Miroff 7-5, 6-4; Caroline Greene def. Mayissa Dorcely 6-2, 6-1; Mary Alice Collins def. Eliyah Mu8hammed 6-4, 6-0.
Doubles: Mae Keegan/Brigitta Ohannesian def. Sophia Birulia/Sofia Oliveira 8-4.
Records: Wando 18-2; Carolina Forest 12-4.
Next: Wando hosts Gray Collegiate on Tuesday at a time to be determined in the 5A Lower State final. Gray defeated Summerville 5-1 on Thursday.
GIRLS TENNIS WINS 18TH STRAIGHT MATCH TO ADVANCE TO 5A LOWER STATE FINAL
