Patriots Beat Islanders in Division II Tennis; MHS' Bertsch Preps for All-State

On a beautiful Columbus Day, the Portsmouth Patriots faced off against the Middleetown High School Islanders in tennis. The Patriots, two-time defending Division II Champions, placed themselves in a good postion as they eyed the playoff push.

Both the Patriots (6-3) and Islanders (1-7) have moved up to Divison II this year. However, the reigning Division IV Champion Islanders are struggling a bit more with the transition, seeing they have moved up two divisions with an extremely young team. 

On the other side of the net, the two-time defending Division III Championship team the Patriots have made the transition a bit more easily, even though they lost 10 seniors from last year's squad due to graduation.

Patriot Coach Judy Colman said she's still confidant in the young Patriots, and noted that with each game comes more confidence for players, as they have their goal set for a strong showing in the Division II South playoff competion (which the top three teams from Divison II North and South will face each other in a six team playoff bracket).

Middletown Islanders Coach Jason Smith-Rushton said he knows this is a transition year and feels the young Islanders are getting the experience they need.

The Patriots on Monday defeated the Islanders 5-2 in match play.

• Kristin Bertsch (Mid) defeated Kathryn Harper (Port) 6-1, 6-0

• Sarah Bertsch (Mid) defeated Hadley Colman (Port) 3-6, 6-4, 6-4
• Katie Benson (Mid) lost to Skylar Macleod (Port) 6-3, 6-7 (7-5)
• Caroline Benson (Mid) lost to Tenley Chlaupek (Port) 6-0, 6-2
• Madeline Molenda and Bridget Rinkel (Mid) lost to Rory Burns and Caroline Merter (Port) 6-1, 6-3
• Kelley Golden and Brooklyn Gharardi (Mid) lost to Julia Harringan and Alyssa Pollard (Port) 6-4,  6-0
• Tara Lombardi and Caitlyn Cassandro (Mid) lost to Sadie Shelburne and Isabelle Weatherby(Port) 6-2, 6-2

A bright spot for the Islanders was Kristin Bertsch, who is within the top eight of All-State tennis players and will head to Pawtucket to compete in the All-State individual singles tournament.

Bertsch featured a stong forehand and a pinpoint backhand that is reminiscent of a graceful Steffi Graf around the court.

The All-State Championships will bring together the top 32 players within the state. Division I features a 16-player tournament while Division II and III feature 8 each. Berchtsch qualified last week in the qualifying tournament.

Berchtsch's All-State match will be played in Pawtucket at Slater Park.

Here's a look ahead:

• 10/25 for the Quareterfinals
• 10/27 for the Semi-Finals
• 10/29 Finals

For all Rhode Island Scholastic Sporting schedules and standings visit www.riil.org.