The Greenwich High girls tennis team is in full swing this season, with an 11-2 overall record entering Thursday’s match against the undefeated Darien High team.
While the postseason is still just two weeks away, one glance at the remaining matches on the Cardinals’ schedule could very well reveal a preview of things to come in the FCIAC playoffs
Two of the Cardinals’ next three matches are against the Blue Wave and the Rams of New Canaan High — the top two teams in the FCIAC East division who combine for just one loss this year.
However, GHS head coach Betsy Underhill has seen a tough stretch like this before earlier this season, and with the team back from multiple injuries, the Cardinals are heading into the back end of their schedule with a reminder of how their season started.
“We started out the season against some very tough teams,” Underhill said. “It was a tough way to start out but we did a little changing around. We’ve been doing well ever since we came back from three injuries at one point. At any given day, anything can happen out there. We’ve got everybody back playing now, so now it’s all about if we have the right combinations.”
Two of their first three matches of the season came against Staples High and Wilton High, both resulting in losses. Since then, the Lady Cardinals have won 9 matches in a row while only dropping 2 games in the process.
“I sort of wish our schedule had a little more depth spread out, because it’s always hard,” Underhill said. “You can also build up a little too much confidence, but I’ve never had it quite this diversified timewise. Every year is different, but we just try to keep our momentum going.”
In No. 1 singles, Maddie Arnold has been on her game this year for the Cardinals, continuing her All-FCIAC singles team performance last year. The junior says she’s looking forward to the competition the final few games of the season has to offer.
“We need to have serious matches and to take everything seriously before we head into the playoffs,” Arnold said. “We know those matches will be difficult as well. In my freshman year, we made it to the FCIAC semifinals so we know anything can happen. We need to stay focused, but still remain optimistic.”
Maggie Glynn, the team’s No. 2 singles and a senior committed to play for Sacred Heart University next year, says she anticipates a rematch with one of the team’s rivals in the upcoming postseason.
“Our first few matches definately motivated us,” Glynn said.
Camilla Akerman, slotted in the No. 4 singles spot, says the spaced out competition in their conference schedule was a positive for the team’s morale.
“It was good because we got our confidence up,” Akerman said. “A long winning streak feels good. We had a bad start and we really just want to get better and better.”
The postseason atmosphere may come early for Greenwich this year, but Underhill remains confident that her team is clicking at the right time.
“It’s been a little bit of a juggling year in our doubles,” Underhill said. “Our singles have been pretty set for the year. We’ve been plugging along and it’s been paying off in the last few matches. For our singles, I know exactly what their games are. Maggie has been on the team for four years and also having Martine Fierro come in as a freshman, it’s really nice to have that.
In doubles, the duo of sisters Melanie and Maitlyn Murphy have taken a number of key matches including a 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 win over Fairfield Ludlowe and a 6-3, 6-4 win over Brien McMahon.
Hannah Crasto and Sakura Yurugi at No. 2 doubles have played some of the team’s most competitive back-and-forth matches as they helped keep the Cardinals perfect in their last five matches.
Following Thursday’s match with Darien, the Lady Cardinals will visit Trinity Catholic on Friday and end their regular season on Monday at New Canaan.
Photo Credit: Marilyn Roos Photography
