Martlets Sweep

Today was going to prove long for the Martlets because we were in for a double header that was starting later in the day. The girls were feeling nothing but pure excitement for the two matches. We had the pleasure of playing Pomfret first and the Martlets were able to have a clean sweep across the board in three games. Many did not feel their best during their matches but pushed through using Martlet Grit. The team even when beating Pomfret showed nothing but kindness and grace which did not go unnoticed by the Pomfret head coach. He wanted the team to know that the Martlets showed the most grace he has ever seen from a team that beat theirs. Sometimes even in victory the win can feel like a loss if appropriate skill wasn’t used to secure the win which was a lesson everyone took away from this match. The Martlets had time to regroup to prepare for the match against Berkshire after playing Pomfret.

 

Even though the Martlets were able to secure a quick win against Pomfret we didn’t feel we played our best so we made sure to make use of our time while Pomfret and Berkshire played to hit and drill a little to get back into the game. The match against Berkshire was going to be a bit tougher because of how strong half of their ladder was. We knew that it would take concentration and skill to take home the win. Numbers 4 through 7 were able to win all their matches in 3 games. There was a noticeable difference in how everyone played which was exciting. At Number 7 Natasha Johnson ‘27 impressed her teammates with her strategy used to win her match. She was thinking about every shot she hit and needed to return to end the point. Her rails were some of the best she has had so far this season and the same can be said for number 4 Emily Fonner ‘26 because her rails are always impressive. At number 6 Chase Hager ‘26 won each game by at least nine points by staying completely in control of the points and remembering that the T is her friend! Alice Tao ‘24 at number 5 almost had the third game taken from her but she was able to regain control using a tool that many athletes aren’t able to do which is to calm themselves and clear their mind in the face of anxiety. Alice was able to end the match and win 12-10 in the third. The matches at the top were just as difficult as predicted. The top 3 of the Berkshire ladder showcased amazing skill and precision with almost every shot. Sophia Lazor ‘27 at number 1, Elle Willson ‘26 at number 2 and Margaret Dilks ‘24 at number 3 fought hard and took advice after each game very well to try to turn the match around in their favor but Bershire had the edge at the top today. Sophia and Elle were able to both get nine points off their opponent in the second game after losing by at least six in the first but were not able to turn the third game around unfortunately. Even then, they all still exhibited amazing grit and grace across the board. Overall, there were highs and lows for the day and it was long and exhausting but the Martlets fought the entire time. This amount of grit will be important against our next upcoming matches against Deerfield and Sacred heart on Saturday.