Prep report: Cape teams face tough tennis task
Given the strength of Fort Myers and both Collier County teams – Gulf Coast and Barron Collier – the Cape area teams figure to have their hands full in the District 3A-12 Tennis Tournament, which begins Tuesday at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Instead of waving the white flag, though, West Zone squads such as Cape Coral, Mariner, Ida Baker and North Fort Myers are choosing their only viable option, which is to show up and play as well as they can.
“Of course, we’re hoping to win,” Cape girls coach Betty Henderson said, “but looking at the competition, honestly, we’re hoping to finish in the top three.”
The Seahawks would like to get a few players into the semifinals and then see what happens from there.
Among the top players on the girls’ side are senior Renee Deane. The Mount St. Mary’s University signee capped off her stellar career, posting a 14-0 record at No. 1 isingles during the regular season.
In addition, the Seahawks received a lift from sophomore Kaitlyn Dampier, who went 12-3 playing mostly at No. 4 singles. Danielle Carter, Aimee Dolorfino and Ella Baar also helped lead the team to a 12-3 record.
Dampier and Deane lead the Seahawks’ effort at No. 1 doubles.
Though the Seahawks have made strides the past couple of years under Henderson’s guidance, they haven’t played the Collier County teams during the regular season, which leads to a lot of uncertainty come tournament time.
Ellen McHugh and Abby Gunderson (North), Sydney Bell and Adrienne Wadsworth (Mariner) and Amanda Teets and Kjierstine Payne are among the key players for their respective teams.
In the boys’ competition, each of the West Zone teams feature experienced players at No. 1 singles, including Cape’s Joel Silverberg, Mariner’s Aaron Smith, North’s Jesus Lugones and Ida Baker’s Caleb Smith.
The Seahawks were the deepest team, getting consistent play from senior Dylon Dixon, junior Shane Pacheco, sophomores Alex Ragonese and Arthemon Lis and rising freshman Najja Derrick.
n District 2A-11: In both boys and girls, Bishop Verot aims for another strong finish, including winning a district title.
Senior Zak Gibson, who reached the state semifinals last year, is one of three Vikings who have won back-to-back district titles at singles and doubles. The other two are Phil Palmon and Anthony Mathew.
Along with that experience, the Vikings have been sparked by freshman Kap Owens at No. 1 singles.
The Vikings (9-2) will be challenged by Lemon Bay and South Fort Myers at the district tournament, held at FGCU Thursday and Friday.
The Verot girls (8-1) had a shortened regular-season schedule this year but are prepared to defend the district title, which they won over Lemon Bay by one point last year.
“Lemon Bay has always been our rival,” Vikings coach Mary Gibson said. “We beat them 5-2 (in the regular season) but both matches were very close.”
Sophomore Mariel Rickert advanced to state in No. 1 doubles last year with departed senior Melanie Albert. Rickert returns at No. 2 singles and No. 1 doubles. Freshman Linda Kornienko has stepped in at No. 1 singles and forms a strong tandem with Rickert at first doubles.
No. 3 and No. 4 players, Nia-Marie Eddy and Kayla Cheslosky are undefeated.
The Vikings’ starting lineup is young, consisting of three freshmen and two sophomores.
Baseball
n Mariner 5, Miami Belen Jesuit 3: Ryan Schneider pitched four shutout innings in relief, allowing one hit, and the host Tritons rallied past Miami Belen Jesuit.
Bryan O’Connor went 2-for-3 at the plate with a double and two RBI. Alex Santana and Michael Zunino added doubles.
The Tritons (17-2) play Flagler Palm Coast Monday in the Bud Roth Tournament.