43
Poland doubles team work well when tennis heat on
By JOHN HARRIS
STRUTHERS
Deep in the second and final set of Poland’s doubles match against host Struthers at Wednesday’s girls Division II sectional tennis tournament, senior Audrey Schweers confronted pressure head-on.
Well on the way to a second consecutive straight set victory, Schweers served for the match leading 40-30.
Shaking off a brief struggle with her serve, Schweers delivered an ace to cap a 6-0, 6-0 triumph.
As a result, Schweers and junior Marisa Ricciardi showcased once again why they are the top seed entering Saturday’s semifinals and finals at Boardman.
“We work well under pressure,” Schweers said about her well-placed final serve that couldn’t be returned.
“We’ve been together for so long,” Ricciardi said.
Welcoming the pressure of lofty expectations motivates Schweers and Ricciardi, who have been tennis partners since they were youngsters.
Based off last year’s performance, when the duo also was seeded No. 1 entering sectional competition and lost in the first round of the state tournament, expectations have been exceedingly high.
“I feel a sense of pressure just because it’s my last year,” Schweers said. “Having the first seed and the experience together helped us go in with a lot of confidence today.”
Poland girls tennis coach Annie Marian said the pair continues to improve. Ricciardi is the team’s No. 1 singles player and Schweers is No. 2.
“Obviously, I would like to see it happen again [a return to the state tournament]. I definitely know it’s something they can do. They have the same expectations,” Marian said.
“They’re both stronger and smarter players. And they have experience — they’ve been there. Just that experience of making it to state last year is going to help a lot.”
Said Schweers: “Both of us do a good job setting each other up. I’ll have a good serve and then set her up at the net. She’s very good at the net to put the ball away.
“We communicate well also.”
Building on a strong performance from last year’s impressive finish was a key theme at Wednesday’s sectional tournament.
In singles action at Boardman, JFK sophomore Kaytlin Marlatt won both of her matches by an identical 6-0, 6-0 score after receiving a first-round bye.
Singles matches resume today.
Marlatt’s motivation this year? Losing to eventual state champion Lauren Gillinov of Hathaway Brown in the district tournament.
“Losing to the state finalist was heartbreaking,” Marlatt said. “Seeing how she plays motivates me a lot.
“I’ve had a few ups and downs, but that doesn’t stop me from what I want to achieve.”