Windham girls’ tennis remains undefeated by defeating Bonny Eagle

By Matt Pascarella

Coming off back-to-back wins against Westbrook and Deering, the Windham girls’ tennis team played an intense match at Bonny Eagle on Friday, April 28 and walked away with a 4-1 win after the doubles teams had two tiebreaker sets, one which ended in a super tiebreaker.

Windham senior Grace Paiement keeps her focus on the ball
during a girls' prep tennis match against Bonny Eagle at
Bonny Eagle High School on Friday, April 28.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“The singles players are really strong,” said Windham girls’ tennis coach Katy Dresnok. “Doubles are really close, that’s been really fun; they’re getting really good competition.”

Dresnok said that this year’s team is the best she’s ever had because they all have experience and are able to build on existing skills. It makes such a difference when they can build on skills from year to year. The more time you put into the game, the more it can make a difference.

Windham players were focused and quick on their feet, as they stayed with the ball and put in strong efforts across the board.

In the singles sets, Windham junior Alyssa Conley won her sets, 6-0, and 6-0, senior Grace Paiement won, 6-0, and 6-2. Freshman Jasmine Lucas won, 6-3, and 6-3.

“We were all a little nervous and not really sure what to go in, but I think just staying strong and our team has been working really hard this year,” said Paiement. “I was able to hold her strong and play her out until I could win the point and stay more consistent.”

Paiement said the team played strong against Bonny Eagle.

Lucas said that no matter the strength of the opponent, always do your best. She thought in the second set that mentality was getting away from her, but she was able to get back in the right mindset.

According to Lucas, this was a more competitive match than the previous two matches. Her opponent was a solid player and could really return. Lucas stayed consistent. She said the team did very well.

In the doubles sets, Windham juniors Taylor Juhase and Samantha Bell won, 7-6, and 7-6.

“We started poaching – switching from side to side on our serves and communication has gotten a lot better,” said Juhase. Both Bell and Juhase agreed that Bonny Eagle was an even match for them.

Sophomore Katelyn Cotter and senior Breeauna Bonin played a super tiebreaker but lost 10-12. Their other sets were 6-7 and 6-4.

Cotter said they were a little out of sync in the first set and felt pressured, but once she and Bonin realized they needed to play slower and smarter, it turned their sets around. Team support made a difference during the sets and Bonin thought communication with Cotter during the match was outstanding. <