Patriots nab hard-fought win over Walsh Jesuit

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By Ben Stroup

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Liberty’s girls tennis team picked up its second straight win against a state power Tuesday, blanking host Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit, the second-ranked team in last season’s final Division I Ohio Tennis Coaches Association, 5-0.

It was a sweep, but was anything but easy as three of the five courts were decided in three sets.

“This match was a great experience for us,” Liberty coach Meaghan Colville said. “You don’t learn much by winning easily. It’s the tough matches that push you and make you better.

“Win or lose, we probably have the toughest schedule in the state, and that’s why — to get better every match — three-setters are always fun. I enjoyed watching our girls battle and close out when they needed to.”

The Patriots’ Sidney Reineke and Cellini Ko both went the distance in singles action. Reineke outlasted Megan Hissong 7-5, 1-6, 7-6 (9) at second singles while Ko bounced back to notch a 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-1 win over Gabriella Constanini at third singles.

Liberty’s Lizzie Radkiewicz and Avivah Wang also earned a three-set win, handling Walsh Jesuit’s Lilly Joyce and Nicole Kessinger 6-4, 6-7 (2), 7-5 at second doubles.

The Patriots’ other two wins came from Alexia Meyer at first singles and the duo of Anna Delaney and Alexis Steer at first doubles. Meyer beat Paige Carmichael 6-1, 6-1 while Delaney and Steer combined to beat Caroline Dickinson and Skye Harwood 6-0, 7-5.

Orange 4, Wellington 1

The Pioneers got off to the start they were looking for Tuesday, dropping visiting Wellington 4-1 in their season opener.

Orange swept the singles courts, getting wins from Sundari Vudatala (6-3, 6-0), Sruti Chigurupati (6-3, 6-3) and Isabella Prislusky (6-2, 6-4).

Abby Daniels and Heather Barnes teamed up for the other win, notching a 6-2, 7-5 decision at second doubles.

Follow Ben Stroup on Twitter @delgazette_ben.

Orange handles Wellington 4-1

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