Boothbay Region girls tennis team found itself playing in some difficult conditions April 23 against Medomak Valley. The mid-40 F weather and blustery conditions were nothing compared to playing without a third singles player and second doubles team. Boothbay won two out of three matches versus Medomak, but forfeiting two matches resulted in the Panthers claiming their first schoolgirl tennis victory this spring.

No. 2 singles player Hannah Roberts won her second singles match this season defeating Panther Lizzi Swan 6-1, 6-1. Roberts combined solid ground strokes and good footwork in dominating both sets. “She was a good player so I had to hit the ball into the corners to move her out of position,” Roberts said. 

Boothbay scored its second victory as first year players Kylie Brown and Della Hahn earned a come-from-behind win over Medomak’s No. 1 team Jordan Doughty and Gabby Sawyer 4-6, 6-2, 6-0. Neither Brown nor Hahn played competitive  tennis prior to this year. As their second match of the season progressed, so did their communication and teamwork. “It’s all new to us,” Brown said. “We are still learning the game and where to stand. We’re learning the game and we’re also learning about each other’s game every match.”

Boothbay nearly won a third match as No. 1 singles player Isabel Harkins battled junior Elle Ashmore before losing in three sets. Ashmore played doubles for the Panthers two years ago. She played well enough with her partner to finish as the No. 2 Class B girls tennis team in 2019. She is a consistent player who uses spin effectively in her singles game. Ashmore won the first set 6-0 before Harkins turned the match around. “It was very windy which made her slice even more difficult to return. I kept reminding myself to move my feet. And that I play tennis for a reason. I play singles for a reason, and I play No. 1 for a reason, so step it up, and earn it.” In the third set, Harkins trailed 5-1 before rallying to 5-3, but Ashmore won the final game.

Boothbay coach Alex Arsenault thought his team played well in the blustery conditions. “This is school vacation week so it’s hard getting on the court, but everybody played hard today, and I’m happy with everything,” he said. Boothhbay is 0-2. Medomak is 1-0. Boothbay’s next match is Wednesday, April 28 against Hall-Dale in Farmingdale.