The varsity girls were back on the courts for a late afternoon match against visiting Hoosac on Thursday. The competition, stalled one day by rain, marked the first ever meeting between these teams. The weather was fair and favorable at last.
Deerfield needed to fight for each and every point in this contest. First doubles showcased enormous baseline talent and pace. The match went decisively for Hoosac. At second doubles, Deerfield’s Sanders and Waterfall fell behind 1-4. The pair dug in and punched back. In a remarkable display of grit and patience, the pair evened the score and took the lead, ultimately notching Deerfield its first point of the day, 8-6. Gavros and Brooker orchestrated a steady victory at third doubles, 8-1.
Singles action did not disappoint the spectators gathered to watch this match. At first singles, both Isha Rao and her Hoosac opponent struck shots that had no business finding the court, but did– miraculous tennis on both sides of the net. Daphne Gavros showed patience and veteran wisdom at five singles, finding a way to earn a win in two sets. Avery Brooker rolled at six singles, bringing the score to 4-3.
In need of one more point as the match pushed through a third hour, Deerfield’s girls turned their attention to the second and fourth singles courts. Olivia Waterfall played inspired tennis, using every shot in the book to fight to the final point in a third set tie break. Natalia Sanders’ second singles match would clinch the win for Deerfield. With the final result hanging in the balance, this sophomore simply found another gear, striking midcourt swinging-volleys and blazing first serves.
Deerfield celebrated its closest and hardest fought win of the year as the sun dipped out of sight. The team has one day to rest before hitting the road for a Saturday afternoon meetup with Loomis-Chaffee.
Individual Results:
Singles:
- Isha Rao, L 3-6, 2-6
- Natalia Sanders, W 6-1, 6-3
- Hunter Pulliam, L 2-6, 2-6
- Olivia Waterfall, L 6-4, 5-7, 8-10
- Daphne Gavros, W 6-4, 6-2
- Avery Brooker, W 6-0, 6-0
Order of Finish: 3, 6, 5, 1, 5, 4
Doubles:
- Rao/Pulliam, L 2-8
- Sanders/Waterfall, W 8-6
- Gavros/Brooker, W 8-1
Order of Finish: 3, 1, 2