After a long season, it all came to an end abruptly for the Kearsarge girls’ tennis team in the Division III semifinals on Monday. Gilford showed up and swept through the Cougars, 9-0.
Kearsarge (13-1) did win 29 games in singles but was outlasted by Gilford’s 48 as the third-seeded Golden Eagles prevailed over the second-ranked Cougars in North Sutton.
It was bound to be a battle as Kearsarge’s only loss on the season was against this team, also in a 9-0 sweep.
No. 3 Gilford itself was nothing to scoff at with a 12-2 record. It finished runner-up to Lebanon last season, after beating Kearsarge in the semis a year ago.
Despite the loss, Kearsarge coach Bubba Williams was happy with the growth of his team. Only one of his six starters in the semis was a senior, and he’s hopeful for the future.
“The more we can teach them the peripheral parts of the game, that makes a more complete player,” he said about building the girls up for next season.
Speaking about growth, sophomore No. 1 Tucker Dragon and junior No. 2 Shilor Poliquin should hear back about the individual and doubles state tournament. Williams selected the two because he thinks it’s the best way for them to grow.
Singles’ results: Gilford 6, Kearsarge 0
No. 1 – Ally Onos 8, Tucker Dragon 4.
No. 2 – Jade Nicolas 8, Shilor Poliquin 4.
No. 3 – Grace Powers 8, Felicity Kane 6.
No. 4 – Isabelle Walton 8, Addy Blair 5.
No. 5 – Emmaline Leandro 8, Sydney Connolly 4.
No. 6 – Elise Groton 8, Karlie Jundt 6.
Doubles’ results: Gilford 3, Kearsarge 0
No. 1 – Onos/Nicolas 8, Dragon/Poliquin 6.
No. 2 – Powers/Walton 8, Kane/Blair 3.
No. 3 – Leandro/Lexi Kulcsar 8, Connolly/Jundt 5.