GIRLS TENNIS

Seaforth girls already a force

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PITTSBORO — The Seaforth High School varsity girls tennis team has already established itself as one of the upcoming 2A programs in the state — and it’s only year two.

In 2021, the Hawks finished second in the Mid-Carolina conference and clinched a spot in the 2A state playoffs in their inaugural season. This year, they’re off to an even stronger start as Seaforth won its first four matches — including a gusty win over Chatham Central High School, the defending conference champions, on Aug. 31.

Despite dropping its first match of the season to Carrboro High School, 7-2, last Thursday, head coach Peter Petrides understands the importance of testing his team early in the season to give him a barometer of their strengths and weaknesses.

“I had a few matches circled on our calendar before the season and definitely our first matchup with Carrboro was in bold and circled,” he said. “Having a match against a team like them this early in the season allows us to get a good sense of where we are.”

In the singles competitions, the Hawks’ perseverance was tested.

The top singles match featured Seaforth junior Evelyn Atkins battling Carrboro senior Ella Strickler. The Jaguars’ top player came into this year fresh off a runner-up finish in the 3A state individual playoffs last season, and her play lived up to the hype.

In the first set, Strickler had little trouble with Atkins, as her powerful rallies and blistering serves led the Jaguar to a 6-0 win. After the opening set — that saw Atkins capture a few points — the young Hawk was comforted by Petrides, who reminded his top player to, “Have some fun.”

“I try to stay strong and tough on the court,” Atkins said. “But I also want to allow myself to enjoy it and not get too frustrated.”

Atkins’ collectiveness was present in the proceeding set, as she began to fight back against Stickler. And though the second set ended in the same fashion as the first, 6-0, Atkins was more competitive in each game and even forced a deuce at one point.

“It’s awesome, I live for these types of matches,” she said. “Even when I lose it’s a great opportunity to grow and to learn from (Strickler) and learn from my own mistakes as well.”

Atkins’ individual match finished first, but rather than sulk about her defeat, the junior stood atop the hill adjacent to Carrboro’s tennis courts.

There, she had a brief discussion with Petrides before cheering on her fellow teammates still locked into their contests. With every cheer and shout from Seaforth’s team captain came a promising response from those in burgundy. By the end of the singles matches, the Hawks had captured two wins via sophomores MaKenzy Lehew and Jenna Robinette.

“I try to be a leader to my team without being too overbearing — trying to find a good balance,” Atkins said. “We all have so much respect for each other.”

The camaraderie seen between the Hawks was evident between the singles and doubles bouts.

The girls all beamed with smiles and congratulated each other on their individual performances, no matter the result. And though the Hawks went on to lose all their doubles matches, the team’s improvements from 2021 were clear to see.

Last year the Hawks were swept, 9-0, in their match against Carrboro. This time around, Seaforth stole two points on the Jaguars’ home courts.

It’s the small signs of growth, seen both on the scoreboard and in the team’s morale, that has Petrides excited about the near future and what this year’s squad can do in just its second season.

“Last year was a fresh start for everybody,” he said. “There were no expectations and everybody played carefree, and we had a good season. We’re kind of piggybacking off of the end of our last season and we’re building off it and we’re off to a really good start.”

tennis, Seaforth, Evelyn Atkins, Carrboro, Jaguars, Hawks, NCHSAA, high school, sports