Westford Girls' Tennis Perseveres Through Heat To Advance To Finals

Westford girls tennis persevered through the heat to earn a finals spot on Wednesday.

After quickly grabbing both doubles matches, the No. 8 Grey Ghosts battled through a pair three set singles matches to grab a 4-1 victory over host No. 5 Lincoln-Sudbury and a place in the finals of the MIAA Division 1 North Tournament.

Westford will play No. 2 Acton-Boxborough (16-0) with the date and location to be decided.

“With our singles out there for three hours, it was tough to deal with (the heat),” said Westford coach Tracy Capone. “We started hydrating yesterday, because we knew it was going to be a hot one. Toward the end it is just a battle of will.”

With Westford (15-4) winning the first two doubles matches against L-S (14-4) in two sets, the three singles opponents were left to battle through three crucial sets in 90 degree unshaded heat.

Leading 5-4 in the final set, L-S senior Lauren Jacobs jumped ahead 40-15 by working her opponent in the back corner and forcing missed hits. In what was the match point, Jacobs drew opponent Hannah Wang on the net and hooked it around her for a 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 victory at No. 3 singles.

“Lauren was undefeated this season so that was a huge match for her,” said L-S coach Ann Boudrot. “Her cross court and down the line shots were working the best. She easily could have let it go after she dropped that second set go, but she fought back.”

Dropping down a set, Westford's Caitlyn Paltsios bounced back in the final two sets to win what proved the contest sealing match for Westford. With Paltsios pulling ahead 40-15 at match point, opponent sophomore Elizabeth Erbafina managed to force a miscue while tight on the net.

Again front court, Erbafina overhanded a lob shot into the net for a 1-6, 6-4, 6-2 loss at No. 1.

“I stayed consistent, she slid out a little and I focused on playing defense more,” said Paltsios. “When I get the shot I take it. You just have to drink a lot and stay in the shade as much as you can.”

Despite battling back from a two set hole, L-S sophomore Kaila Nelson dropped a 10-7 super tiebreaker to Briana Leonard 3-6, 7-4, 7-6 at No.3. After digging two tough opposite back corner hits, Nelson caught the net to drop the final volley.

“I do not think there was an edge even in the super tiebreaker,” said Capone. “That is the third time they have met this season and whenever they play it is long. It is almost like playing themselves.”

In doubles action, Westford partners Brittaney Leonard and Sydney Diamond defeated juniors Charlotte Marcoux and Emma McVicar 6-4, 6-1 at No 1, while Grey Ghosts teammates Alesia Raczelawski and Kritina Kea overcame senior Emily Baker and sophomore Alex Braverman 6-3, 6-4 at No.2 singles.

“Fortunately we have depth beyond our three singles players,” said Capone. “We have some different combinations going and they are clicking at the right time. We just started to be consistent and aggressive at net.”

The Grey Ghosts lost 4-1 on the road and 3-2 at home to finals opponent A-B earlier in the season.

“Each match we play we are getting closer and closer,” said Capone. “They have three top singles players. We are going out there knowing that we are going to be at it for a long time and mental toughness will come into play.”