“We had 106 last year, 106 plus 15 this year, that’s 125,” she figured.

That’s 125 consecutive match victories for her Yachtsmen.

Here are a few easier numbers for Stone to remember:

Eight — The number of consecutive state titles Falmouth has now won.

Ten — The number of state titles Falmouth has won under Stone, all in the past 11 seasons.

Thirteen — The number of state titles the Yachtsmen have now won overall, tied with Cape Elizabeth for the most in Maine girls’ tennis history.

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The latest win, earned officially when Caroline Ray closed out a 6-1, 6-1 win at No. 3 singles over Lewiston’s Alanna Taylor on Saturday afternoon, was especially satisfying for Stone in her final season with the team.

“We’ve given (incoming coach) Bill (Goodspeed) something to work with,” Stone said.

That Lewiston was once again battling for a shot at a state crown is a testament to the Blue Devils’ tenacity, and to coach Anita Murphy’s ability to inspire and motivate a group of part-time players. The Devils won their 20th regional crown this season and were bidding for a 13th state title before running into the Falmouth buzz saw Saturday.

“It was more acceptance today,” Murphy said. “I told them, stay on the court as long as you can, work for every point and don’t give up.

“I think they’re happy that we made it here,” Murphy added. “We beat all of the other school in our region, so we’re happy.”

The Yachtsmen wasted little time getting things going — and getting things over with. Julia Brogan topped Kyleigh Letourneau at No. 2 singles, 6-1, 6-1, followed by win by the same score moments later at No. 1 doubles from Kate Kelley and Amanda Watson over Lewiston’s Claudia Dionne and Madison LeBlond. Ray’s win over Taylor clinched the match.

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Mary Hyland and Meg Pierce fought off a game challenge from Lizzy Michaud and Chloe Morin at No. 2 doubles, 6-3, 6-3, and in the final match, Three-time state singles champion Olivia Leavitt cruised at love to complete the 5-0 match.

“Olivia is just awesome,” Murphy said. “I don;t really know how to describe it.”

In the Class A boys’ match, Falmouth was again the favored squad, though Mt. Ararat made them work early, taking short leads in both the second and third singles matches.

But those leads were short-lived, and Falmouth again cruised to the Class A crown in a 4-1 team victory. Mt. Ararat’s win came at No. 1 singles, where Nick Mathieu gutted out a 7-6 (1) 7-5 victory over Aiden McGrory.

Alex Klemperer and Peter Stegemann each won their singles matches over Peter Mao and Trevor Mayo, respectively.

Jordan Bruce and Trey Fallon won for the Yachtsmen at No. 1 doubles, while Matt Adamowicz and Greyson Cohen earned a victory at No. 2 doubles.

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Class B

The day of repeats got off to a quick start Saturday. About an hour after the matches began, the Greely High School girls jumped out to a 2-0 lead on quick victories at No. 2 singles and No. 1 doubles. With the two other early matches going to a third set, top singles player Izzy Evans left no doubt, topping MDI’s Sarah Phelps at love for the third team point to clinch the Rangers’ second consecutive title.

The final team score was Greely 5, MDI 0.

The Cape Elizabeth boys followed a similar pattern en route to a 4-1 win over Camden Hills for their third consecutive Class B state crown. Staked to an early 2-0 lead on wins at Nos. 2 and 3 singles, the Capers’ Michael Mills vanquished the Windjammers’ Austin Pohlman, 6-2, 6-0, to clinch the title. Luke Gilman and Ethan Murphy also posted wins in singles play for Cape Elizabeth. The teams split the cdoubles matches, both of which went three sets.

Class C

For the eighth consecutive season, the Waynflete boys used incedible depth and solid singles play to earn the Class C state tennis crown.

Isaac Salas led the way for the Flyers with a 6-1, 6-0 win at No. 1 singles. Clancy Mitchell at love at No. 3 singles, and Brandon Ameglio won 6-2, 6-3 at No. 2.

The teams’ doubles split their matches, with Tim Dentino and Matt Stevens earning the lone point for Gerge Stevens Academy at No; 2 doubles.

On the girls’ side, North Yarmouth Academy swept its match against Van Buren, nearly completing a blemish-free scorecard. Lena Rich led the way for the Panthers with a 6-0, 6-2 win at No. 1 singles, and both NYA doubles teams won at love.


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