Martlets Shutout by Bearcats

Heading into the midwinter break, the girls took on perhaps their strongest opponent of the year when HOtchkiss came to the Kohn pavilion. The Martlets were once again without co-captain Elle Wilson ‘26, but the Bearcats left some of their top players at home. Even so, the visitors still had a strong enough lineup to earn the 7-0 win. Though the outcomes of their matches weren’t really in doubt, the girls nonetheless displayed great grit, creating some chances for themselves and defending with vigor. Maddie Clark ‘26 played numerous long rallies at #7, acquitting herself nicely (5, 5, 6) after battling illness, and in her first match in the top seven. Co-captain Emily Fonner ’26 snapped off a bunch of nice winners in her match at #3 (4, 4, 6). Marti Jaramillo ‘27 did a little bit of both, extending points with her determination and seizing the few opportunities that she had (4, 4, 3). The highlight of the afternoon was provided by #1 Sophia Lazor ‘27, who sent a message from the start that her match would be no walkover. Down two games, but undeterred, she found the right balance of patience and aggressiveness to take her third game. The miraculous comeback was not to be, as some well-constructed points ended with untimely tins (8, 4, (6), 6). A couple more stiff opponents await the Martlets after the break, followed by the High School Nationals.