Girls tennis: Belchertown aces West Springfield in matchup of undefeated Pioneer League teams

By MOLLY CLANCY

For the Gazette

Published: 05-01-2017 9:59 PM

BELCHERTOWN — The Belchertown girls tennis team won its sixth consecutive match after defeating West Springfield, 4-1, on Monday.

With the win, the Orioles remain undefeated in the Pioneer League.

“We did do well,” coach Jackie Kowal said. “They were 2-0 in the league and we were 2-0 in the league so I didn’t know what to expect going in. We had played them last year but our whole team has changed from last year.”

Both of the doubles teams came out with points. Junior Julia Morgado and sophomore Madison Slater won 6-1, 6-2 at first doubles to improve to 6-1 on the season.

The second pairing of sophomore Emily Slater and junior Nicole Sterste swept 6-0, 6-1.

Belchertown (7-2, 3-0 Pioneer) won at first and second singles as well. Senior Jordyn Paul and junior Emily Hamparian delivered strong performances for Belchertown.

“I think that they are starting to jell; the doubles teams are starting to jell,” Kowal said. “Jordyn’s very confident out there and Emily was very confident today. Serves were good today. A lot of first serves were in.”

Paul played Ally Fontaine twice last season, defeating her in dominant fashion in both matches. She is 8-1 this season at first singles. Despite her success, Paul knows she always has room for improvement.

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“My backhands are kind of inconsistent so I know I’ve been working on that,” Paul said. “I’m working on different serves. I have a slice and I’ve been working on a kick. I’m trying to fix up some shots because there’s always stuff to work on.”

The Orioles were defeated by the Terriers (3-3, 2-1) at third singles. Kate Assimus fell to Jeanette Vorobyova 6-1, 6-2.

“Our third singles had a hard time out there today,” Kowal said. “She just thought she played horrible, but I saw a lot of good in it. I told Kate that we’ll meet them again (on May 9) so we’ll figure it out and work together.”

Kowal said the match was a testament to her team’s confidence in its game.

“They did what they set out to do,” Kowal said. “They played very confident today. I was a little nervous with not knowing this team, but when you beat them the first time, we’ll meet them again and know exactly what we’re up against.”

Belchertown will go for its seventh straight win when it hosts Central on Tuesday.

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