St John’s Edges Cardinals, 5-4

Bishop Ireton Girl’s Varsity tennis faced WCAC champions St. John’s yesterday on a beautiful Fall afternoon at Carl Sandburg Middle School, the Ireton home courts.

 

A match to remember, the Ireton netters set a new level of play falling short by one to overtake the Lady Cadets.

 

In the past six matches in three subsequent years the Cardinals have brought home no more than one set match against their toughest rival St. John’s. Today’s tally ended in a 4-5 final with St. John’s taking the victory but Ireton setting a new bar.

 

The Redbirds singles players #3 Christy Macey, #5 Natalie Spinetto and #6 Allie Laclede took their St. John’s opponents at (10-2), (10-6) and (10-7) while starters #1 Monica Zakaria, #2 Mary Rose White and #4 Nicole Williams fought lengthy battles to fall short at (3-10), (1-10) and (6-10).

 

Needing two of three doubles set wins to take the match, spectators cheered the Lady Cardinals doubles teams fighting for a match dream, but this first of two contests with St. John’s was not to be the winner.

 

#1 Doubles team Monica Zakaria and Nicole Williams finished first with a loss at (0-8) yet wowed the crowd with their intense court style. Juniors Mary Rose White and Cristy Macey followed with a (8-2) win at #2 Doubles and all eyes moved to #3 Doubles team Natalie Spinetto/Allie Lacede fighting to a final loss at (2-8).

 

Optimistic about another faceoff with St. John’s in October the Ireton netters celebrated their results and look forward to a rematch against St. John’s.

 

The next match will be this Wednesday against Elizabeth Seton, 4pm start at Trinity College in Washington DC.