By Junious Smith III

St. David’s hadn’t lost a girls’ tennis conference match since 2011 — until taking a trip to Arendell Parrott Academy Tuesday.

The Patriots defeated the Warriors 5-4 in a match so long, the venue had to be switched in the middle of it. APA’s courts are devoid of lights, so the remainder of the match was played at Bill Fay Park. Patriots coach Brad Sauls was excited to get the win — no matter the venue — as APA lost to the 7-time defending state champions the previous two years in the championship game.  

“I was so excited with our competitive spirit,” Sauls said. “It felt like they truly believed they had a chance to win this game, then went out and executed on the court. They were able to cut down on unforced errors and worked well to get a win against a great program.”

Mary Helen Hood contributed in two of the victories Tuesday and said it was a wonderful feeling.

“This game was a boost to our confidence,” Hood said. “After winning this game, it’ll help us in believing that we can do it again if it comes to it. Right now, we just have to keep working hard in practice and stay focused.”

The Patriots (8-0) won their last state championship in 2011 before St. David’s went on its run. Sauls said Tuesday’s win could go a long way toward a possible trophy.

“Beating St. David’s was a mental hurdle,” Sauls said. “It was definitely tough for the girls, but it showed how good this team can be. This could be a changing of the guard, and hopefully we’ll be able to sustain this momentum.”

Singles

Cameron Jones (APA) def. Gracie Haile 4-6, 6-1, 1-0

Sydney Cook (SD) def. Erika Gorrin-Rivas 6-1, 6-2

Kate Goracke (SD) def. Allison Christiano 6-4, 6-3

Elizabeth Holderness (SD) def. Anna Morris 6-4, 6-2

Mary Helen Hood (APA) def. Rose Mary Anders 6-0, 6-0

Grace Brydge (APA) def. Anna Clayton Tanner 6-2, 6-1

Doubles

Jones-Gorrin-Rivas (APA) def. Kate Heile-Cook 8-4

Holderness-G. Haile (SD) def. Morris-Brydge 8-3

Christiano-Hood (APA) def. Anders-Tanner 8-4