In front of an energetic home crowd Thursday afternoon, both the Martha’s Vineyard boys’ and girls’ tennis teams secured spots in the state semifinals with impressive wins in the Elite Eight round.
Despite the hot sun beating down on the courts, neither team lost momentum. Hundreds of students, parents, and local fans packed the stands to cheer them on.
For senior players, it was a memorable final match on their home court.
The boys’ team delivered a dominant 5-0 victory over Medway, earning their fourth straight trip to the Final Four. Senior Zak Potter set the tone with a quick 6-1, 6-0 win at first singles. Caleb Dubin followed with a steady 6-2, 6-2 win at second singles. At third singles, Kurt Kleeman battled through a tough match, eventually winning a third-set tiebreak 10-5. After the match, he cooled off by pouring water over his head—relief from the season’s first truly hot day.
In doubles, Tommy Flynn and Kyle Levy took a 6-4, 6-3 win at the top spot, while Nate Walsh and Henry Wansiewicz cruised to a 6-2, 6-2 victory to complete the sweep.
“It’s definitely encouraging when you win a point and 200 people are yelling your name,” Dubin said. “Made it easier on the nerves.”
Head coach Nicole Macy acknowledged past struggles in the semifinal round, but she’s optimistic. With nine seniors on the roster, she believes this experienced group can go further.
“They’re achieving something really special,” Macy said. “Not everyone gets this chance. I want them to enjoy graduation and celebrate their hard work. Then on Monday, we’ll get right back to business.”
The girls’ team faced a tougher opponent in Newburyport but pulled through with a 4-1 win to match the boys’ success. Laina Dubin won a hard-fought battle at first singles, taking the third-set tiebreak 12-10. Charlotte Marshard added a 6-2, 6-3 win at second singles. In third singles, Tessa Shulles stepped in for a regular starter and fought through a close loss.
Doubles play proved to be the difference. Leah Thomson and Zoe Treitman dominated 6-1, 6-1 at the top spot, and Ella Moran and Clementine Zeender followed with a strong 6-2, 6-2 performance to seal the match.
“I’m so proud of our girls,” said head coach Bill Rigali. “They showed resilience and grit. Let’s keep the momentum going.”
Assistant coach Eddie Stahl praised the Island’s strong tennis culture.
“The whole community is incredibly supportive,” Stahl said. “Boy’s team, girl’s team—it doesn’t matter. The Island tennis family is solid.”
Both Vineyard teams now move on to neutral-site semifinal matches on the mainland next week. Match times and dates are still to be announced.
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