Thursday, November 2, 2000

By Beth Chisholm
SJSports Student Correspondent

For the first time in decades, the Edgewood Ladies' Tennis team went into the playoffs with a first round bye. Seeded third in the Group 3 Division, they were to play the winner of Williamstown vs. Lacey Township. When Williamstown went on to win that match, the Edgewood ladies knew what they had to do.

The match was played at Overbrook on a beautiful day. The weather was great and so were the Eagles. Alexis Switenko and Erin Riley bulldozed their competition at first and third singles, respectively. However, the match was tied not long after their victories. In order for Edgewood to win, their second doubles team of Cass Young and Jen Cooper had to pull through. They had won their first set, but lost the second set in a tie breaker. Both teams were in agony as they watched the third set. This was it; the winner would advance to the semifinals. Finally, in an emotional victory, Edgewood's ladies took the match.

This was another first for Edgewood's Coach Mack and Coach Totoro. Never before had one of their teams made it to the semifinals. The ladies' next challenge would be against Northern Burlington.

The day of the match was not nearly as nice as it was for their first state match. The ladies traveled this time. With fans (namely parents) also making the trip, the ladies felt confident in their ability. However, it was not enough. The second doubles duo of Michelle Hammersley and Cass Young pulled in Edgewood's only win, easily surmounting the Northern Burlington competition. The match ended with a 3-1 score, as it was called for rain. That occurred in the middle of the first doubles match, where Northern Burlington won the first set 7-5, but were on their way to losing the second set to Andrea Johnson and Beth Chisholm. It was a tough loss for Edgewood, but the ladies were proud to have come so far. As most of Edgewood's players are seniors, the 2000 playoffs will forever be remembered.