The Newton South girls’ tennis team continued its run for a state title, defeating Chelmsford 4-0 at home yesterday.
South was dominant all day, as the team did not lose one set. Junior Sophie Epstein was first to finish in her #2 singles match defeating her opponent, 6-2, 6-0.
Senior captain Katie Freer was also dominant, winning 6-0, 6-1 in her #1 singles match.
“Tennis is 90% confidence,” Freer said.“As you build your confidence throughout the year, you are able to increase the accuracy and velocity of your shots and hit more winners.”
Coach Robert Jampol praised both girls for their dedication and growth as tennis players.
“Katie came in sophomore year and won the #1 singles slot and she hasn’t given it up,” Jampol said. “She plays the toughest opponent every match, in the hardest league in the state. A tremendous athlete.”
Jampol was quick to praise Epstein as well. “She played doubles her first two years but is now a dominant singles player.”
Senior captain Marisa Shockett was dominant in her #3 singles match, winning 6-0, 6-2. Furthermore, the doubles pairing of freshman Mei Kasif and senior captain Lauren Bamel did not lose a game, winning 6-0, 6-0.
Jampol said he is truly excited about his #1 doubles pairing of Kasif, a freshman, and Bamel, a senior.
“We knew [Kasif] was a varsity player, but not sure where,” Jampol said. “She matured throughout the season with Lauren Bamel and they have become the second or third best doubles team in the state.”
In the #2 doubles match, seniors Jillian Stein and Isabelle Granahan-Field led after one set but the match ended because of thunderstorms, giving South the 4-0 victory.
Going into the season, Jampol was not expecting a state tournament-bound team, but he has been pleasantly surprised. “I had to get extra out of league matches just because I didn’t know we were going to make the state tournament,” Jampol said. “I had no idea we would go 15-4.”
South will face DCL rival Acton-Boxborough, Sunday at 1 pm at Lexington High School. South has lost to A-B twice already this year.
“It will be tough,” Jampol agreed. “But if we break through A-B, we could go all the way.”
