Deerfield’s Varsity Girls Close Out ‘21 Spring Season 6-1
The Varsity squad took the long ride south to Watertown, CT on Wednesday to face off with a strong Taft line up. On the hottest day of 2021, the team needed to start fast and keep focused to walk out with a win. The season ended on a high note as the team did just that, earning a decisive 8-1 result.
The most compelling doubles play came at the top position. Isha Rao and Hunter Pulliam played a gritty back and forth set with Taft’s best pairing. Holding a slim lead through the first half, Hunter and Isha broke and held serve to seal the doubles sweep for Deerfield with an 8-6 win.
As the blazing afternoon wore on, singles play got underway. It was clear early on that the weather wouldn’t be the only thing offering resistance. Credit goes to a strong Taft team that fought hard at every position. There was plenty of drama at singles positions in the middle of the ladder. Hunter Pulliam settled in after a tight opening trio of games, eventually pulling away and winning 8-4. Hunter’s ability to set up a point and hit a dominant winning ground stroke is truly a force. Olivia Waterfall won another tight contest at the fourth singles position 8-6.
Evan Burkett’s dominant play at five singles continued as she rolled to a 8-3 win with strong approach shots and winners at the net. Isha Rao finishes the season undefeated at number one singles, winning this contest 8-2.
Four year starter and captain Emma Weech’s final set in a Deerfield uniform did not disappoint. Long rallies and a little bit of every type of shot in the book kept Emma’s match competitive long after the afternoon light began to fade. Reminiscent of Emma’s last trip to Taft in 2019, this match needed a tiebreaker to produce a result. In the end Emma’s teammates rushed the court as she won the tie break 9-7. Congratulations, Emma on a fantastic career on our team, and thank you for everything you’ve done for the program over the years.
I’d like to thank the team for their motivation, sportsmanship, and spirit this season. It’s worth noting that every single player on this team started and won for Deerfield this year. Congratulations, ladies.
-Coach Austin
Individual Results:
Singles:
- Isha Rao, W 8-2
- Hunter Pulliam, W 8-4
- Emma Weech, W 7-7 (9-7)
- Olivia Waterfall, W 8-6
- Evan Burkett, W 8-3
- Emily Pajak, L 2-8
Order of Finish: 5, 6, 1, 2, 4, 3
Doubles:
- Rao/ Waterfall, W 8-6
- Weech/ Burkett, W 8-5
- Waterfall/ Kiki Brainard, W 8-4
Order of Finish: 3, 2, 1
Exhibition Play:
Doubles:
Linnea Dreslin/ Alex Kelsey, W 8-2
Singles:
Linnea Dreslin, L 4-8
Alex Kelsey, W 8-4
Kiki Brainard, L 8-8 (4-7)