Varsity Schedule and Results

Date	Opponent	Time	Results
4/4	@ Rivers	2:00	W 9 - 2
Milton Academy (1-0) traveled to The Rivers School (0-1) to open the 2009 varsity girl’s tennis season. The match was played on a typical New England cold, windy and rainy spring day. We were able to complete all but 1 of the singles sets before the rain forced an early end to the match with Milton up 9-2. Rivers competed hard and displayed great sportsmanship. Returning sophomore, Sophie Panarese, picked up where she left off rolling to an impressive 6-0, 6-1 win in her debut at 1. Freshman Lexi Lazeras followed her lead capturing her first win as a Mustang with a convincing straight set win in 2. Senior Captain, Suzanne Gallo, won both her sets, sophomore Susannah LaVigne fought tough to secure her first varsity win 7-5, 6-2 and sophomore Nikita Bhasin picked up her first varsity point in 6. Senior Captain, Emily Roberts, was battling it out when her match got called due to the slick courts. It was an excellent effort by all the girls. There were great points on all courts. Rivers had opportunities early in many of the sets. The girls handled the pressure well and did a great job holding them off. Thank you to all the family and friends who came out to support the team. Next up the Mustangs travel to St. George’s on Wednesday at 4:00. We hope to see you there!
4/8	@ St. George's	4:00	L 11 - 4
Milton Academy (1-1) traveled to St. George’s School (3-0) on Wednesday. It was a brisk, beautiful day in Newport. The St. George’s team is well-coached and solid top to bottom. They competed hard and displayed great sportsmanship. Sophomore, Sophie Panarese, captured the first two points of the day in first singles with an impressive 6-0, 6-2 win. Freshman Lexi Lazeras rebounded strong after dropping the first set, taking the second 6-2. Senior Captain, Suzanne Gallo, battled it out in 3, playing remarkably well but coming up just short of the win. Sophomore, Suzannah LeVinge, Senior Tierney Leddy and Freshman Natasha Bhasin all gave terrific effort against a deep St. George’s line-up. In doubles action Sophie & Suzanne won 10-8 in a tiebreak at 1 – very exciting and well played! Senior Captain, Emily Roberts and Lexi L. lost a tough one in 2 while Junior, Micaela Connors and sophomore, Nakita Bhasin, lost a close battle in 3. It was great to have Micaela back in the line up after recovering from an injury that’s kept her off the courts for a while. The coaches were proud of all the girls. Everyone gave it their best. St. George’s should have a great season. Thank you to the family’s who traveled all that way to support the team. And special thanks to Mrs. Laz who served up enough snacks to feed a football team! Both the Varsity and Junior Varsity teams were very grateful. Next up, the Mustangs host Brooks at 2:00 on Saturday in our home opener. We hope to see you there!
4/11	Brooks	2:00	W 10 - 5
Milton Academy (2-1) hosted Brooks School Saturday in our home opener. The Brooks team competed with terrific sportsmanship. Once again it rained just prior to the start of the match forcing us indoors for all 15 sets. Sophie Panarese cruised at 1 winning 6-0, 6-0. In 2, Lexi Lazares took her first set 6-2 and battled back down 2-5 to win the second 7-5. Captain Suzanne Gallo and Nakita Bhasin both continue to play great singles winning 6-4, 6-4 and 7-5, 6-2 respectively. Suzannah LaVigne split sets and Captain Emily Roberts fought hard but ultimately came up just short against a very solid Brooks player. In doubles action, Sophie and Lexi won easily in 1. Suzanne & Natasha Bhasin lost in 2 and Tierny Leddy & Lexi Copperthorne lost in 3. All three doubles teams continue to improve. There were some outstanding points on all courts. Along with the team, I would like to thank the Panarese family for hosting a delicious team dinner Friday night at their home. It was a wonderful opportunity for the team, coach, and families to welcome in the 2009 girls tennis season! It was a terrific night. Thank you, again, to the Panarese’s! Also, thanks to all the family and friends who came out to support the girls on Saturday at the home opener. We had lots of Mustang fans! Our next match is away against Middlesex on Wednesday at 3:00. It should be a great match. We hope to see you there.
4/15	@ Middlesex	3:00	L 8 - 7
Milton Academy (2-2) traveled to the beautiful campus of Middlesex School Wednesday in our fourth contest of the season. It was a perfect spring day for tennis. It was one of the most exciting tennis matches I’ve coached. I have the utmost respect for every single girl who participated – both teams. Middlesex fought hard and they displayed excellent sportsmanship. Milton came up just short of the win losing the deciding doubles match in a tiebreaker after having 3 match points serving 8-7 after battling back from being down 4-7. We played 3 great match points but Middlesex just stepped it up under pressure. Despite the obvious disappointment, it was truly a great day of tennis for the Mustangs. While I was heartbroken for the girls, I was incredibly proud of everyone and the effort and sheer determination I saw on the court. It was great to see their composure under pressure and to watch them compete. Every single girl gave 100%. They left everything they could on the court, went down with a tremendous fight, and handled themselves with sportsmanship and class. It was a great display of character. In Singles action, Sophomore Sophie Panarese remains undefeated winning 2 single sets. Senior Captain Susanne Gallo, Junior Micaela Connors, Sophomore Suzannah LaVigne and Freshman Natasha Bhasin all played very well giving us 5 sets total heading into doubles action. They stayed focused, played smart points. They competed the best I’ve seen them this season. The doubles looked exceptionally solid. The girls fought hard to take over the net. Senior Captain Emily Roberts and Nakita Bhasin had an especially solid win in 3. Thanks to all the family and friends who came out to support the girls. I hope you all felt the same pride watching the team compete. The match lasted almost 4 hours! I think everyone (including the girls) enjoyed the excitement and great tennis. Our next match is home against Hotchkiss, 4:00 on Saturday. We hope to see you there.
4/18	Hotchkiss	4:00	L 13 - 2
Milton Academy (2-3) hosted The Hotchkiss School Saturday in our first non-ISL match of the season. The match was moved to the indoor courts early in the first singles sets due to rain. Hotchkiss has a talented team. Their girls displayed excellent sportsmanship. In singles, sophomore Sophie Panarese captured our two points of the day beating a talented Hotchkiss athlete who is in her fourth year at 1. Sophie played smart and remained focused downing her 6-2, 6-3 for her 5th consecutive straight set win of the season. In other singles action freshman Lexi Lazares, senior Captain Suzanne Gallo, junior Micaela Connors, sophomore Nikita Bhasin and freshman Natasha Bhasin all fought hard but came up short. Micaela played particularly well and battled hard in her second singles match of the year. We struggled in doubles but we continue to show progress. Milton fought tough every point and tried to keep the pressure on them from start to finish. Our girls did a good job staying focused, playing one point at a time, and working hard to make first serves and hit solid returns. Our next match is home against Thayer Academy on Wednesday at 3:00. The Thayer team is off to a great start and remains undefeated. It should make for excellent tennis Wednesday. We hope to see you there.
4/22	Thayer	3:00	L 10 - 5
Milton Academy (2-4) hosted a Thayer Academy team stacked with talent! The rain was back! The match was played indoors. The Thayer girls showed outstanding sportsmanship. This fun rivalry brought out the best on both sides of the court. The Mustangs fought hard and competed the best I’ve seen this year, each girl gave her best effort and fought hard. They continue to improve as a team. Sophie Panarese rolls on in her undefeated run in 1, winning quickly 6-2, 6-0. Lexi Lazares had an impressive win in 2, 6-2, 6-0. The duo teamed up for dubs winning the pro-set solidly 8-3. In other singles action, Captain Suzanne Gallo, and Micaela Connors fought hard but came up short at 3 and 4. No lack of effort or desire there! Tiers Leddy showed incredible fight in 5 and Lexy Coperthorne gave her absolute all in her first singles match of the season. In other doubles action, Suzanne & Micaela lost to a very strong 2 team and Captain Emily Roberts and Nikita Bhasin lost a close one in 3. Again, great effort from all! It’s apparent that were moving in the right direction. Everyone is showing great improvement. We had a terrific show of support from family, alumni and friends. It was great for the girls! Thank you to everyone who came out to cheer the girls on. Our next match is home Saturday against Lawrence Academy at 1:00. We hope to see you there.
4/25	Lawrence	1:00	W 14 - 1
Milton Academy hosted Lawrence Academy on what was the most beautiful day of the season to date. The Lawrence girls played well and showed great team spirit and sportsmanship. The Mustangs were back in winning form playing solid, smart tennis. The Mustangs swept the 12 singles sets. Sophie Panarese had a solid performance in 1 winning 6-0, 6-0. Lexi Lazares followed close behind winning 6-0, 6-1 in 2. Micaela Connors won 6-2, 6-1 in 2 and Captain Suzanne Gallo cruised in 4 winning 6-1, 6-1. In the 5 spot Natasha Bhasin played well winning 6-1, 6-1 and in 6 Lexy Coperthorne won her first varsity match as a Mustang 6-1, 6-3. In first doubles, Senior Captains Suzanne Gallo and Emily Roberts had an exciting come from behind win, finishing 8-3. Tierney Leddy and Suzannah LaVigne battled in two before falling to a talented team 3-8. Sisters Nikita & Natasha Bhasin won a great match at 3, 8-6. The girls did an excellent job of staying focused and sticking to their game plans. They continue play smart, patient tennis and did an excellent job of working the point, waiting for their opportunities. They also played aggressive in doubles, consistently working to take over the net. A terrific effort by the girls! As always, thank you to the families and friends who supported the girls. Our next match is away, Wednesday, against Phillips Exeter Academy. It should be excellent tennis! We hope to see you there.
4/29	@ Exeter	3:00	W 5 - 4
Milton Academy traveled to the beautiful campus of Phillips Exeter Academy Wednesday. It was an ideal day for tennis. The Exeter girls were strong top to bottom. They displayed terrific sportsmanship. We played their format, 6 singles matches (best 2 out of 3 sets) worth 1 point each and 3 doubles pro-sets worth 1 point each. Regular scoring. The Mustangs handled the alternate format well and rose to the occasion, ultimately winning the match 5-4. Sophie Panarese, Micaela Connors and Natasha Bhasin cruised in straight set wins. Sophie posts an 8-0 singles record this season, winning 4 of the 8 matches 6-0, 6-0. Lexi Lazares fought hard, down 3-5 in the 3rd set tiebreak, winning four points in a row to win the tiebreak 7-5, capturing the 4th singles point. Captain Suzanne Gallo and Nikita Bhasin both played well but ultimately lost in straight sets. The Mustangs headed into doubles action up 4-2. Sophie and Lexi clinched the match for Milton wining 8-4 in 1. In other doubles action, Suzanne and fellow Captain Emily Roberts lost 5-8 in 2 and Micaela and Natasha lost 2-8 in 3. This was a long day filled with some terrific tennis. The girls did and excellent job of building off a solid win last Saturday. They kept the pressure on Exeter from the first point on. Overall, they did a sound job of limiting unforced errors and making their shots. Every match was exciting to watch. It was a long afternoon! Thank you to the families and friends who came out to support the girls. Our next match is home Saturday at 3:00 against Governor’s Academy. We hope to see you there!
5/2	Governor's	3:00	W 13 - 2
Milton Academy (5-4) hosted The Governors Academy Saturday afternoon at the indoor courts in the ACC. The Governors’ girls were well coached and came out strong. There was terrific sportsmanship and great points on both sides of the ball in all 9 matches. Sophie Panarese and Suzanne Gallo both displayed outstanding shot-making and smarts as they captured the first two wins of the day 6-0, 6-0 and 6-1, 6-1. Micaela Connors played her best match of the season dictating points and winning swiftly 6-1, 6-1. Natasha Bhasin and Lexy Copithorne played solid winning in strait sets. Nikita Bhasin split sets. In doubles action Sophie and Suzannah LaVigne played terrific to capture the pro set. Suzannah had an outstanding day in 1 doubles. Captains Emily Roberts and Suzanne Gallo fought hard but came up just short against a strong Governors #2. In 3rd doubles, Tierny Leddy and Natasha had a great match, taking over the net and competing well. Thank you to the many families who came out Saturday to support the girls. Our next match is Wednesday, 3:15 home against Phillips Andover Academy. Andover has had a terrific ’09 season. This should truly be an outstanding day of tennis! We hope to see you there.
5/6	Andover	3:15	L 11 - 4
5/9	@ St. Mark's	1:00	W 12 - 3
Milton Academy traveled to St. Mark’s on Saturday afternoon. Despite the forecast, the weather turned out perfect for tennis. St. Mark’s is well coached and the girls are great sports and great athletes. The Mustang’s were ready for the challenge and came out strong. Sophie Panarese, Lexi Lazares, Micaela Connors and Lexy Copithorne all had straight set wins in singles. Sophie and Lexi cruised in their matches. Sophie remains undefeated in ISL singles play this season. Lexi did an outstanding job staying focused and playing one point at t time. Micaela was solid from the ground and did solid job of dictating the points in both her sets. Lexy played smart and steady winning again for the Mustangs in 6. Captain Suzanne Gallo had an amazing first set battle that went back and forth the entire set. She ultimately fell just shy of the set, losing 12-10 in an amazing breaker. She regrouped, changed her strategy and dominated in the second set, winning 6-1, taking over the net when she returned and serve and volleying. Natasha Bhasin played solid in 5, splitting sets. She gets better by the week! In doubles action Sophie and Captain Emily Roberts played solid in 1. Micaela and Nikita Bhasin teamed up in two dropping only 2 games total. In three, Tierny Leddy and Suzannah LaVigne had great points against a strong team. They managed a terrific “come from behind” stretch that found them with a match point. They fell just shy of the technical “win” but should walk away with great pride in their terrific doubles play. They both showed outstanding fight. Thank you to the family and friends in who showed up to support the team. Our next match is Wednesday, 3:30 home against St. Paul’s. We hope to see you there.
5/13	St. Paul's	3:30	W 8 - 7
Milton Academy hosted a talented St. Paul’s team on the North courts on a beautiful Wednesday afternoon. It was the last Mustang home match of the season. The last home match for our seniors: Captain Suzanne Gallo, Captain Emily Robers and Teirney Leddy. Congratulations on a terrific win!! St. Paul’s was well coached and talented. They’ve enjoyed a great 2009 season. Once again there were terrific matches and excellent sportsmanship on all courts. In singles, the Mustangs were solid off the ground, played smart and stayed focused. Sophie Panarese won 6-0, 6-2 in 1. Lexi Lazares played a tough number 2. She dropped the first set 3-6 and after a battle, managed to capture the second set 6-4. Micaela Conners spit sets in 3, 6-1, 5-7. Captain Suzanne Gallo continues her success in 4 winning solidly 6-2, 6-3. Natasha Bhasin and Lexy Copithorne lost in straight sets but played hard. In doubles action Sophie and Lexi made quick work of it in 1st winning 8-3. Suzanne and Micaela dropped a tough one in 2, losing 5-8 to a very strong doubles team. They played well after a slow start. This put the match tied, 7-7, with Captain Emily Roberts and Nikita Bhasin deep into their doubles battle in 3. Emily did an outstanding job managing points, staying calm and keeping positive. Nikita came up with several key shots to keep them in the hunt. It was great! And it was so exciting when they clinched the match for the Mustangs winning 8-6! Very exciting! Thank you to the parents and friends who came out today and supported the team. Our next match is Saturday at 2:00 at BB&N. We hope to see you there!
5/16	@ BB&N	1:30	W 12 - 3
Milton Academy traveled to BB&N Saturday afternoon. It was a beautiful afternoon for tennis. BB&N has a talented team and competed well. In singles, the Mustangs continued to play smart and solid off the ground. Sophie Panarese and Lexi Lazarese cruised in 1 & 2 winning 6-2, 6-0 and 6-2, 6-1. Captain Suzanne Gallo dropped the first set 3-6 but rebounded nicely pulling off a 6-4 second set win. Micaela Connors in 4 and Natasha Bhasin in 5 both played smart and remained focused, winning 6-1, 6-2 and 6-4, 6-4. Lexy Copithorne lost the first set 1-6 but remained determined and focused. She lost her second set 4-6 but displayed a terrific effort to stay in the match. In Doubles, Suzanne and Micaela had a come from behind effort to take the set at 1st doubles 8-4. Emily Roberts and Nikita Bhasin won 8-5 in 2nd, and Tierny Leddy and Suzannah LaVigne regrouped at 0-3 and turned it around to win 9-7 in 3rd. It was a hard fought, well deserved win. Fun to watch! The girls continue to do an outstanding job of closing and focusing one point at a time. They all displayed excellent patience and smart shot making. The home stretch is here. We battle a very tough Groton team on Wednesday at Groton at 3:30, “Nobles Day” at Nobles on Friday 4:15, and Milton once again hosts the New England’s this Saturday rain or shine. I continue to be incredibly grateful for the support of all the family and friends who come to support the team. The girls sincerely appreciate it and they love the support!
5/20	@ Groton	3:30	W 9 - 6
The Milton Academy Mustangs traveled to the beautiful campus of Groton School Wednesday afternoon. It was a hot, beautiful afternoon for tennis. Groton is well coached with a deep roster and a very solid number 1. There were great points and sportsmanship on all courts. In singles action Sophie Panarese won a hard fought match 6-4, 6-1. Lexi Lazarese split sets with a talented 2, 6-3, 4-6. In 3, Micaela Connors really demonstrated what she’s made of! After losing a very long, and close first set 4-6 she was able to turn it up one level and dictate points by continuing to go for her shots and keeping her depth. Her backhand looked more potent with each shot. She did an amazing job of fighting for every last point – just an awesome display of true fight. It was terrific tennis! In 4, Suzanne Gallo split sets 6-2, 4-6. Suzanne played great in the second set but her opponent fought hard to win a couple of key points at key times. Great effort by Suzanne! 5 and 6 were the story of the day. Nikita Bhasin played her best tennis of the season in singles, hitting her shots and keeping her depth. She made quick work of it at 5, winning 6-3, 6-1. Captain Emily Roberts cruised in the 1st set winning 6-2 and then had to dig deep to find energy to hold off a tough number 6 who picked it up a level in the 2nd. Emily fought off a set point at 4-5 and rattled off 3 straight games to win 7-5. It was a solid win! In 1st doubles, Micaela and Suzanne lost to a tough 1st position team 5-8. In 2nd, Emily and Nikita did an outstanding job of taking over the net. They played well but fell 7-9. In 3rd doubles Suzannah LaVigne and Natash Bhasin played well but lost 6-8. Thanks to all the friends and family who cheered the girls on to victory. Next up, our last match of the season. We wrap up at Nobles on Friday at 4:15. Nobles has enjoyed a solid season and has deep roster. It looks to be a great day of tennis. The match is scheduled for the indoor courts. We hope to see you there!
5/22	@ Nobles	4:15