This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
04/11/2016 12:00 AMLast spring, the Guilford girls’ tennis team went on an incredible postseason run that it’s athletes will never forget. Along the way, the Indians saw several players become battle-tested on the big stage and their experience has the club potentially set up for another nice ride this year.
Chris Marra returns for his fifth season as Guilford’s head coach on the heels of a campaign in which the Indians reached their first state final in program history when they faced Lauralton Hall for the Class M title. While not resting on any laurels from a year ago, Marra said that his squad’s berth in the championship match has paved the way for a season in which the Indians are aiming to establish a strong presence in the SCC.
“We had such a great run last season and we have a really good group of girls this year. The girls make sure they get along and also take pride in representing the community the best way they can,” said Coach Marra. “With that push to the finals last year, they showed they want to excel with pride and integrity. I’d love to see us get back to the state finals, but part of it is how we stack up against the draw. We know everyone on the team will push each other to excel. We also have to see how we fall in the mix of the SCC and we have our work cut out for us, but as long as we grow with it all, then we will be good.”
The Indians will be captained this year by their only two seniors in Kate Dinauer, who will play doubles, along with No. 4 singles competitor Ellie Pinchbeck. Both girls are coming back for their second run on the varsity court and they each display maturity that goes beyond their years.
“Both of them are good at being very motivating towards the rest of the girls, along with being open and friendly towards them,” Marra said. “They have good leadership skills with organizing team events and activities. Both have a year of varsity experience behind them and they have their roles and set good examples.”
In addition to their two senior leaders, the Indians welcome back a wealth of additional talent with junior No. 1 singles player Claire Dinauer, plus sophomores in Sam Stofflet and 2015 State Open qualifier Faren Roth, who will play No. 2 and 3 singles, respectively.
“Claire is in her third year as a varsity starter now, so she has a lot of experience and is playing well. She’s worked hard on her game in the offseason and is ready to play versus top-tier players,” said Marra. “Faren also has a lot of experience and is an extraordinary athlete that fights hard for every point. Sam has improved a lot from last season already. She is hitting the ball and serving well.”
The Indians’ sibling tandem of sophomores Charlotte and Molly Babbin will anchor the doubles lineup as the No. 1 pairing and Marra said that they’re “hardcore tennis enthusiasts and playing amazing tennis.” The coach also feels optimistic about his freshmen quartet of Emily Dietzko, Allie Stankewich, Annabelle Wang, and Acadia Hall.
As always, the Indians must tread through a deep and competitive league in the SCC with regular season clashes against defending champion Lauralton Hall, runner-up Amity, plus Hand, North Haven, and Sheehan. The Indians opened the year on April 5 with a 6-1 loss to Hand. Roth picked up the team’s lone victory by a 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 final. Guilford then took a 7-0 defeat to non-conference squad Glastonbury the next day.
“Hand is always a tough match and that Hand-Guilford rivalry always brings out the best in both of us,” Marra said. “Beyond that, Amity and Lauralton Hall are big ones, plus we have a non-league match against Glastonbury. North Haven and Sheehan are also teams that should be strong in the SCC. Obviously, we want to do well against those SCC teams, put up a fight, and always put our best foot forward.”
2016 Guilford Indians Girls’ Tennis Schedule
April 5: Hand 6, Guilford 1
April 6: Glastonbury 7, Guilford 0
Monday, April 18: at Hamden at 3:45 p.m.
Wednesday, April 20: at Foran at 3:45 p.m.
Friday, April 22: vs. Mercy at 3:45 p.m.
Monday, April 25: vs. Sacred Heart Academy at 3:45 p.m.
Thursday, April 28: at Cheshire at 3:45 p.m.
Monday, May 2: vs. North Haven at 3:45 p.m.
Tuesday, May 3: at Hand at 3:45 p.m.
Thursday, May 5: vs. Waterford at 4 p.m.
Friday, May 6: at Shelton at 3:45 p.m.
Monday, May 9: vs. Branford at Guilford Racquet Club at 3:45 p.m.
Tuesday, May 10: at Lauralton Hall at 3:45 p.m.
Monday, May 16: vs. Amity at Guilford Racquet Club at 3:45 p.m.
Wednesday, May 18: vs. Sheehan at 3:45 p.m.
Thursday, May 19: at North Haven at 3:45 p.m.