ORONO — First doubles partners Mackenzie Myers and Sarah Shelton battled at the Eastern Maine Class B tennis final to keep their undefeated record intact, but it was not to be.
The Eagle duo took Waterville opponents Lauren Hallenbeck and Federica Miele to three sets before falling 3-6, 6-2, 3-6 as the Purple Panthers rolled to their fourth EM championship in five years on Wednesday, June 5, at the University of Maine.
Waterville entered the EM tournament ranked third in Class B with the Eagles at the top of the standings.
But with two state singles quarterfinalists heading at the top of the roster, it became quickly apparent that the Purple Panthers would keep their unblemished record intact — at least for one more match.
Colleen O’Donnell dropped just one game in downing Ellsworth’s Ina Maloney 6-0, 6-1 at first singles; and Tiffany Suchanek cruised to a 6-0, 6-0 win over Jessica Toothaker at second singles.
The lone win for Ellsworth went by default to Olivia Mora at third singles when the Purple Panthers failed to field an opponent.
At second doubles, Watervilles Emma Cristan and Emily Dufour prevailed 6-3, 6-1 over Ellsworth’s Melissa Klemt and Josie Schmale.
Ellsworth completed a fine season with a record of 13-2.
The Purple Panthers now have the daunting task of facing unbeaten and defending state champion Falmouth, winner of five consecutive state titles and 10 in 12 years, on Saturday.
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Hugh Bowden
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