Colonials, Saxons Continue Girls Tennis Rivalry

Even with young rosters on both sides of the court, the rivalry between the Jefferson and Langley girls tennis teams is just as fierce as ever. The first edition of the 2011 series kicked off on Wednesday with a match befitting for two of the region’s top teams. Despite what appeared to be an early advantage, the Saxons pulled away for a 7-2 win, although the result was much closer than the final score would indicate.

Despite Jefferson No. 3 Steffie Pitts and No. 6 Madison Russell staking the Colonials to a 2-0 lead with quick 10-2 wins and the other three singles all leading at one point, Langley responded. Most impressive was Langley's Kitty Branche’s rally to beat Jefferson's Rena Liu, as the junior displayed a visible change in confidence as the match progressed.

With four singles matches under their belts, the Saxons needed just one doubles victory to clinch the win. They ended up getting all three, as Vivian Louthan and Rorie McQuade finished things off with a 10-5 win.

“[I was] very, very pleased,” Langley Coach Sara Vincent said. “I knew that it was going to be close. I knew that we would have to get an early lead for singles because they're very strong in doubles.”

The two teams had produced perfectly equal results against the mutual teams they had played up to this point, most notably matching 6-3 victories over McLean. After a series split in 2010, there was little doubt that these would be the teams contending for the Liberty District title.

“TJ in the past has usually gotten us because we will get up early and then their determination to come back [prevails],” Vincent said. “It’s nice to see the girls believing in themselves and pulling it out in the end.”

Combined, the schools have just one senior between each of their top six seeds. That youth should ensure many more close matches in years to come.

“It’s exciting,” said Jefferson Coach Steven Myers, whose lineup on Wednesday featured five juniors, two sophomores, and one freshman. “I think week after week we’re going to keep getting stronger.”