By Jeff Odom
The Carrollwood Day School (CDS) girls tennis team won consecutive regional championships by defeating Tampa Prep 4-1 at home April 11, which comes with a spot in the Class 1A state meet.
Patriots coach Susan Most said her team was well-prepared coming into the regional finals because they knew what to expect from the Terrapins after facing them in districts.
“I feel that this win was a concerted effort by the entire team working together,” Most said. “Throughout the season, that has been one of the major reasons that these girls are so successful, because they pull together and work together throughout the entire season and have made a commitment to (win).”
The afternoon at Hillsborough Community College was not without drama, as CDS No. 1 Jackie Fitz-Randolph was dealt the difficult task of facing rival Paige Leavy for the second time in less than a week. The two battled in a three-set marathon for the singles district title April 5.
“At first I was kind of confused, because I figured that I just played her for over three hours (in districts), why do I have to play her again?” Jackie said. “I was more excited than nervous, because it was such a great match last time. It was going to be great again.”
Jackie battled through the back-and-forth match and the heat, hardly showing any signs of frustration. She prevailed 7-5, 6-3 in the three-hour bout, which included a 10-minute rain delay midway through the second set.
“I don’t know if it really helped or hurt me, that rain delay,” Jackie said. She added, “I didn’t want to go three sets, and I knew (staying calm) was definitely one of the keys you have to do if you want to win. Obviously, you can let out a few shouts if you’re mad, but I’ve learned to keep calm in any situation, and if you believe in yourself you’ll be able to get through anything.”
One of the most pivotal matches of the day was the No. 5 singles contest between CDS’ Casey Brynjolfsson and Tampa Prep’s Yasmin Hamzah.
Brynjolfsson said she knew going in it was up to her to help pad the lead and keep the match from going into doubles.
The freshman didn’t disappoint.
Despite a 4-0 deficit in the first set, Brynjolfsson pulled herself together and defeated Hamzah 6-4, 6-1.
“I was making unforced errors and I had to kind of cleanse myself and keep going,” Brynjolfsson said. She added, “Since I’m a freshman, this will be my first year going to states, so that was my job to (get the win), and it’s awesome.”
Other victories for CDS included No. 2 Lauren Fitz-Randolph, Jackie’s sister, 6-1, 6-1 over Izabella Basket and No. 3 Sarah Yaffe 6-1, 6-3 against Megan DaSilva.
No. 4 McKenzie List was the lone Patriot in the loss column, falling 6-3, 7-6 (8-6) against Alexandra Benbadis.
Most said she is happy for her team, and that its experience of reaching the state tournament last season will pay big dividends the second time around.
“It’s so exciting,” Most said. “It was so much fun last year, and the girls really loved the experience, and I think that’s one of the elements that made them work harder is that they had been there before and they saw that it does take a lot of hard work and commitment as a team, and that was definitely a huge motivator for them.”
The 1A state tournament is at Red Bug Lake Park in Casselberry April 15 to 17.
Gators topped by Forest
The Land O’ Lakes girls tennis team had its season ended at Ocala Forest for the second straight year April 9, falling 5-0.
The Gators did manage to make the playoffs for the third straight season, and its No. 1 duo of Kavya Avancha and Cori Arndt become the first doubles squad in program history to earn a state berth.
The Class 2A state tournament is at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs April 14 to 17.
