The three singles players for Santa Barbara High won six sets, and the Dons escaped Santa Ynez with an 11-7 victory in a Channel League girls tennis match on Wednesday.
Santa Barbara coach Danny Echt praised the play of Shalini Lewis, Ashley Birch and Emse Landeck Lopez, who all captured two out of three sets.
“From a consistency standpoint, it was one of our best singles showings of the season,” said Echt. “Esme’s genuine excitement to be playing tennis and going for it is fabulous, and Shalini is trusting herself by hitting through balls well.”
The Santa Ynez No. 1 doubles team of Emmy Withrow and Sophia Curti swept 6-3, 6-1, 6-1. The duo has lost once in league play, said coach Jennifer Rasmussen.
The Dons trailed 4-2 after the first round, but won the second and third rounds 4-2 and 5-1, respectively.
The Dons are 8-1 in Channel league and 12-5 overall.
“The match was much closer than the score,” said Echt. “It was hard fought and Santa Ynez showed a lot of heart today. Coaches Jen and Steve run a great tennis program and the Pirate girls competed well and showed great sportsmanship.”
— Noozhawk sports editor Barry Punzal can be reached at bpunzal@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk Sports on Twitter: @NoozhawkSports. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.