Amity Ends The Season For Newtown Girls Tennis

It was a split decision for the Newtown girls tennis team during the Class L playoffs Tuesday as they won in the qualifying round but lost in the later round, a result that essentially ended its season.

The 11^th-seed Nighthawks opened the playoffs with a 7-0 victory over 22^nd-seed Bunnell (8-8) in the qualifying round at Amity (16-2) but in the first round of the playoffs, they lost 5-2 to the sixth-seed, host Amity, to finish the season at 13-4.

Among the silver linings for Newtown was at first doubles where senior tri-captain Ashley Cech and junior Megan Loose delivered a 7-5, 7-6 (7-3) win over the Spartans.

"We went into it feeling very relaxed and we were in the mindset of having a good match, which made a huge difference," said Cech.

Loose added, "I think we communicated very well today and our focus was to be consistent."

Also getting a win for the Nighthawks against Amity was freshman Lauren Frazetta at second singles. She was pushed to the limit in both sets before vanquishing her Spartan opponent in two tiebreakers, 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (9-7).

"I really had to run around the court because she hit everything back," said Frazetta. "I tried to hit to her forehand and backhand and stayed consistent."

Although she didn't win, Newtown senior tri-captain Christina Ciamarra played well against Amity in a 6-0, 6-2 loss at first singles.

"She's definitely a great player and one of the best players I played," said Ciamarra. "I found her to be very consistent and I'm not upset because I thought I played very well."

Despite ending their season, the Nighthawks were satisfied with their performance against the Lady Spartans.

"We knew going in that Amity would be a tough match but everyone played well and gave their best shot and it's all I could ask for," Cech said. "I think everyone played well."

Newtown has a lot of successes to look back, including going 12-3 in the regular season and qualifying for the South-West Conference tournament -- only four teams qualified.

"I think we had a great season and I'm happy with how we did," Ciammara said.

Although the Nighthawks are done as a team, Cech and Loose will compete in doubles and Ciammara and Frazetta will compete in singles at the State Open, which starts on Saturday at Yale University.

"I think we'll do very well," said Cech. "I have a lot of confidence in us and we're in sync."

Loose said, "We are hoping to do well and we hope to go in it with a good attitude. We hope to make All-State and we're going to try."

Ciammara said, "I'm very excited and I don't have any expectations except to go out there and try my best."

Frazetta said, "I have never been to State Open before and I don't know what to expect. I have to stay consistent and focused and I never give up on a point."