Lengthy Singles Match Seals First Wildcat Win

All eyes were on Michelle Woods. And the Wilmington girls tennis team’s No. 2 player didn’t disappoint.

With the team score tied at 2-2, Woods grinded out a win in a two-plus hour match against Woburn’s Kathryn Thifault to seal the Lady Wildcats’ first victory of the season with a three set decision.

Woods dropped the initial set of the match, 6-4, but went on to eek out a 7-6 (7-3) win in the next set before sealing the team win with a 6-1 victory in the decisive third set.

“She has been practicing hard so it was nice to see her rewarded with a win,” said head coach Kevin Welch. “She was out there a long time. She got the momentum in the third set and did not let her opponent back in the match. The fact that she was the last match of the day only makes the win better, but it does not take away from what the other girls did today.”

Kristen Tavares was the other Wilmington singles players to snag a victory on the day. She toppled Francesca Malvavosa in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2, at No. 3 singles. Julia Carter and Erin Hurley played to a 6-0, 6-2, victory at No. 2 doubles.

Following Wednesday’s 3-2 over Woburn, Wilmington improved to 1-4 on the year. Welch said he seeks continued effort from his players the rest of the campaign.

“The victory shows they can win. Tennis can be such a mental game, so the first victory of the year takes some pressure off the girls,” said Welch. “If the girls continue to work hard, learn from their mistakes and build in their successes I will consider it a good year.”