Wheeler Brings Women’s Tennis to Victory

This Little East Conference match-up against Salem State University was a nail bitter and came right down to the end. But last Saturday afternoon, the Panther’s became victorious over them from an epic comeback Megan Wheeler (Manchester NH). Their record now goes to 3-2 overall and 2-1 in the LEC.

The Panthers were looking optimistic after winning two out of three double matches. Team of Sage Winter (New Castle NH) and Maggie McCarthy (Marion MA) finished their match with an 8-4 win. Jenna Sundquist (Monument Beach MA) and Kerstin Venincasa (Sutton MA)then went on to win their match,8-5. Venincasa then competed in her singles match giving PSU a lead by two, but Salem came right back with double wins in singles, tying it a 3.

Irene Kigugu (Concord NH) gave the Panthers another push forward after a close 7-5 win, once again putting PSU ahead. But right before Wheeler’s match, Salem tied it once again, bringing it all to this match. Wheeler found herself down 4-1 but it was history from there. A fire was lit, and she came to win 6-2, 7-5 in her single match, giving PSU the 5-4 win.

Wheeler said that while she was playing, she didn’t even know her match was the deciding one. But she’s glad she was able to bring that win to the team because it was a big win for them. “[double teams] has a good chemistry with one another. Another thing going well is our will to grind out wins in singles” Wheeler says about her team. However, with strengths, there are weaknesses; “a thing that needs improvement is our mental toughness... it’s easy to get into your own head and think negatively.” Wheeler, a senior this year, has loved being a part of the women’s tennis team. “It's bitter-sweet... Personally, I want to win as much as I can, I absolutely hate losing, as a senior each loss hurts more than then they ever had... we hope to accomplish a top three finish in the LEC conference. Our team is one of the strongest ones in the conference so it’s an achievable goal.”

The women’s tennis team is back on the court this Saturday against the University of Massachusetts Bos-ton. This home, LEC game, will start for 1 p.m. at the Holderness School.