SWAMPSCOTT — The Swampscott girls tennis team (7-6) left no stones unturned in a 5-0 win against Gloucester Wednesday afternoon.
The win upped the Big Blue’s record to above .500, and though coach Michael Benton doesn’t stress wins, he was happy with the complete performance.
“I always emphasize to the team that – to me – it’s not about the wins. It’s how you play the game,” Benton said. “If you track down every ball, try your hardest, have good sportsmanship, and thank your opponent for the match, that’s all a coach can ask for.”
On, frankly, a senior day to remember, this group of seniors is a special one to Benton and coach Nina Rogers.
“For me, I’ve worked with thousands of kids over the years and I can honestly say these seniors are the greatest group I have ever worked with,” Benton said. “These girls do everything that the coaches ask. To see the growth of these girls not just on the tennis courts, but as young women, has been rewarding to me. They reward me so much with their hard work and dedication.”
“They, as a group, have set such a great example for the whole team,” Rogers said. “From leading by example, having fun, and showing sportsmanship.”
On a windy day featuring smoke-filled air due to the Lynn and Saugus brush fires, it was always going to be a tricky win for the Big Blue. That said, they got it done.
Veronika Isagulyan had a tough battle with her opponent in first singles, as Benton said she was playing “tentative.”
But once Isagulyan started to play her game, the results followed in a 6-2, 6-1 win.
Laine Foutes was dominant in her 6-0, 6-0 second singles performance. From her aces to her backspin, Foutues kept her opponent guessing all afternoon.
Tessa Prendergast showed her consistency in third singles, delivering some impressive returns and showing no ball was too far for her.
Anna Ratner and Victoria Quagrello continued to impress as a doubles team, winning 6-1, 6-1, while Ana Eccles and Ava O’Donnell won their respective doubles match 6-2, 6-0.
Benton said he was happy to get the win on senior day.
“The girls played great. Great sportsmanship and they did well to track down every ball,” Benton said. “Both teams played in really tough conditions with the wind and then the smell from the brush fires, but we prevailed and we move on to Beverly on Friday.”
Though there are only a handful of games left, Benton hopes he doesn’t lose touch with this group.
“The seasons are so short and I hope we stay connected because I’m going to miss them so much,” Benton said. “I’ve gotten other offers to coach places, but I told each one that I am not leaving these girls.”
