Singles rule the day for Sussex Academy in 3-2 victory over Polytech

Consistency may be on its way, along with the warmer weather, for Sussex Academy girls’ tennis after they pounced on Polytech 3-2 April 17.

“Everyone is growing into their places and getting settled, getting more comfortable with their positions and learning what they have to do to win,” Lopez said. “I'm really proud of how positive we've all been able to stay.”

For the second home match in a row, the singles’ tennis trio of Karina Lopez (first), Priya Haldar (second), and Macy Wheatley (third) made sure the Seahawks’ match was decided without factoring in doubles.

“I was hitting my spots pretty well; the wind wasn't too bad; which was really nice compared to the past couple of matches we've had,” Lopez said. “I have been working on my serve – my shoulder has been a little tight just from serving so much – but my serve was one of my weapons today. ” 

Lopez secured her victory with duplicate 6-0 sets thanks to her arsenal.

“If you can hold your serve, you won't lose,” Lopez said.

Haldar notched her win with 6-1 and 6-0 victories in her two sets.

“I'm getting more comfortable with it each match, taking it as it comes at me,” Haldar said. “I'm learning a lot as I go, so that's part of the process. We're all supporting each other, and I think that's probably the most important part.”

Wheatley flashed dominance in the first set, 6-0, but had to navigate an intense second set to earn a 7-5 set win and the deciding point for the Seahawks.

“The fact that Macy can keep up with that and be consistent enough to hit 50-60 balls in a row says wonders for how much she's growing already,” said coach Rich Lichtenwalner.

Lichtenwalner was proud of everyone on the team.

“The win-loss doesn't matter, it's just nice that everyone has a smile on their face,” he said. “[Polytech had] super nice girls, all smiles, all friendly, all nice opponents, and it's really kind of important and special, and really something that's necessary to happen in a tennis match because you call everything yourself.” 

Freshman captain Natalia Gatti was without her usual partner in first doubles but showed why she is a leader at a young age.

“Natalia has really stepped up; as a freshman, she was nominated captain, and that's big shoes to fill, and she's in a pretty key role, too, because doubles can swing either way,” Lichtenwalner said.

The Seahawks will enjoy a long break before playing at Sussex Central Monday, April 28.