Andy Warrener
Laker/Lutz News Correspondent
The Carrollwood Day School (CDS) girls tennis team continued to make Patriots’ history in the regional semifinals on April 10.
After claiming the school’s first district championship in any sport a week before, CDS blasted through Lakeland Santa Fe Catholic 7-0. It is the first playoff win in any sport for the Patriots. The boys basketball team reached the postseason last year as a district runner-up, but was unable to advance.
“We’re writing CDS history as we speak,” said Patriots coach Susan Most. “I’m beside myself right now.”
The Patriots swept all five singles and both eight-game pro set doubles matches without conceding a set.
The Fitz-Randolph sisters, freshman Jacquelyn and seventh-grader Lauren, took the Nos. 1 and 2 singles points, respectively, as well as No. 1 doubles. Both went 6-1, 6-0 in singles and won 8-1 in doubles.
The two, who were the Class 1A state runner-up in doubles last year, appear to be hitting on all cylinders.
“We have the same style,” Jacquelyn said. “We’re both aggressive. We know where the other one will be on the court.”
Sophomore Sarah Yaffe won No. 3 singles 6-0, 6-0 on the surgically repaired ulna in her forearm. She also paired with teammate Maddie Peek, a senior, to take No. 2 doubles 8-3. Yaffe made a wicked forehand service return to set up match point.
“It feels better than ever actually,” Yaffe said. “I feel like I’m overall better than I was before.”
Freshman McKenzie List took No. 4 singles 6-3, 6-1 and Peek won 6-3, 6-0 to win the No. 5 point.
CDS defeated Tampa Prep 5-2 in the regional finals at home on April 12, claiming the Nos. 1-3 singles and both doubles matches. The Patriots defeated the Terrapins to win the 1A-8 district title.
The 1A state team tournament is at Red Bug Lake Park in Casselberry April 17 to 20.
