By Bruce Adams
badams@21st-centurymedia.com
WEST GROVE – Following her team’s 7-0 win against Oxford Monday, Avon Grove girls’ tennis head coach Diane Maund reflected on the encouraging turnout for this year’s Red Devil squad.
“We had 43 girls come out for the squad, the most we have ever had in my nine years as (head) coach here,” said Maund. “It’s really exciting to have so many young girls coming out. We have seven courts here (at Avon Grove Middle School) and five courts over at the new high school, so we’ve been able to split them up and keep everybody playing (varsity and junior varsity), so that’s why we decided to keep all (43 girls).
“It’s been a really fun season, we have a lot of team camaraderie, and it’s really loud on the team bus.”
The Red Devils won all seven matches Monday in straight sets, and Maund noted the sizable spectator turnout for this home match.
“We’re getting a lot of people coming to watch, and there’s a lot of excitement around Avon Grove tennis, and we’re trying to build it up,” said Maund.
Avon Grove juniors Elissa McLean and Ella McCleary, who played first doubles for the Red Devils as sophomores, have moved into the team’s singles lineup this fall. McLean prevailed at first singles Monday, 6-2, 6-1, and McCleary won at second singles, 6-0, 6-1.
“Elissa and Ella are both really consistent players, and they gelled together so well as doubles players last year that this was a big adjustment for them at singles this fall,” said Maund. “But they’re quick learners, both smart girls who have the stamina and athleticism.”
McLean said, “Playing singles is definitely different because you don’t have the emotional and physical support of a partner. Strategy-wise I feel like I have become more aggressive (playing singles) because it’s just on me to win the point.
“I feel like I played well today, it was a good matchup. I was really hitting my forehands and backhands and trying to make (my opponent) run.”
McCleary added, “It definitely takes a lot more energy and endurance playing singles. Today, I tried to stay consistent.”
At third singles, senior Julia Short prevailed, 6-2, 6-2 for the Red Devils (3-6).
“Julia was a good doubles player for us last year; she likes to get to the net and she’s been doing that in singles (this fall),” said Maund.
At first doubles, Avon Grove seniors Corley Sandland and Lily Queen won, 6-2, 6-2; at second doubles, Kristin Guizetti and Mia Fish prevailed, 6-1, 6-2; Samantha Lin and Eliza Nowland came out on top, 6-1, 6-2 in third doubles; and at fourth doubles, Korinne Mitchell and senior Elise Westley won, 6-0, 6-0.
Like Maund, Oxford head coach Justin Hostetter is encouraged by the turnout for his squad this fall.
“We had 17 girls come out for the team this fall, which is our highest number since 2018 or so,” said Hostetter. “Last year, we had only 11 or 12. Our top four players this fall are all seniors, so we have strong leadership qualities at the top of the lineup. They definitely serve as role models.”
Those four seniors are Megan Smoker (first singles), Elena Kahn (second singles), Logan Puckett (third singles) and Grace Patti (first doubles). For Smoker, this is her second year playing first singles for the Hornets.
“Megan is a hard worker; she didn’t even play tennis (for us) her freshman year, so to pick it up as a sophomore and become our No. 1 player is pretty impressive,” said Hostetter. “It’s a tough, uphill battle in our league, but she fights and she has gotten better.
“Elena and Logan are willing to play within themselves and have long points, chase any ball down and use their speed to grind out points. Our whole team shares that same attribute of just being willing to get better and learn.”
Maund said, “We like to play Oxford, it’s such a friendly match and they’re right down the road. Justin does a great job with them.
“We have a good tennis community out here in Avon Grove. A lot of our players teach in the PATTA (Philadelphia Area Team Tennis Association) program that meets here on Sundays. Justin from Downingtown West (Whippet head coach and PATTA executive director Justin DePietropaolo) organizes it, and a lot of his girls also teach in that program.”
Avon Grove 7, Oxford 0
Singles: 1. Elissa McLean (AG) def. Megan Smoker (OX), 6-2, 6-1; 2. Ella McCleary (AG) def. Elena Kahn (OX), 6-0, 6-1; 3. Julia Short (AG) def. Logan Puckett (OX), 6-2, 6-2.
Doubles: 1. Corley Sandland/Lily Queen (AG) def. Grace Patti/Molly Walsh (OX), 6-2, 6-2; 2. Kristin Guizetti/Mia Fish (AG) def. Katelyn Leid/Kinsey Summers (OX), 6-1, 6-2; 3. Samantha Lin/Eliza Nowland (AG) def. Avery Rubincan/Alexis Fazekis (OX), 6-1, 6-2; 4. Korinne Mitchell/Elise Westley (AG) def. Ally Whiteman/Becca Powell (OX), 6-0, 6-0.
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