JAY — In a season of twists and turns of fortune, the Spruce Mountain girls tennis team finds itself in contention for a playoff spot.

As of press time, the Phoenix were seeded 10th in Western Class B and clinging to the final playoff position. They were scheduled to play a match tonight at Waterville and conclude the season with a match at Kineowatha Park in Wilton against Maine Central Institute.

On May 14, Spruce Mountain took to the court against the Gardiner Tigers, seeded fourth in Western B. The Phoenix found themselves shorthanded, and had to forfeit their third singles match en route to a 5-0 loss. However, the despite the final outcome, they played with enthusiasm and made their matches competitive as well.

Coach Mark Stofan said of his team, “I asked them if they thought they were better now than at the beginning of the year, and they said ‘yes.'” He added that the Phoenix are hoping to get more players to try out for the sport next season, as their depth has been lacking with only seven players on the squad this spring.

The results of the Gardiner match were as follows:

1st singles: Annastasia Carr (G) d. Alexa Perkins (SM) 8-4

2nd singles: Sissy Smith (G) d. Evelyn Castonguay (SM) 8-5

3rd singles: Gardiner won by forfeit

1st doubles: Sara Blair and Emily Peacock (G) d. Gabby Richards and Skyler Lewis (SM) 8-4

2nd doubles: Samantha Beneski and Sydnie Sirois (G) d. Rylee Delaney and Tanna Herlihy (SM) 8-4

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