This should prove to be an interesting year for Honesdale’s varsity tennis team.
The Lady Hornets battled their way to a respectable 5-4-0 record last fall in the Lackawanna League’s AA division. This year, though, Coach Bill Gibney’s girls are competing in AAA and facing a brutal schedule.
“It’s definitely going to be tough,” Coach Gibney told TWI Sports during a break in Tuesday afternoon’s rain-soaked opener with visiting North Pocono.
“But, I’m optimistic. We have some very good players coming back and really strong freshman and sophomore classes. So, things are looking good.”
Honesdale will be going head-to-head with several of the area’s top programs on a weekly basis this fall.
The Red & Black must face archrival Wallenpaupack Area and perennial District Two powerhouse Abington Heights.
In addition, the Lady Hornets also square off against Class AAAA titans Scranton and Delaware Valley.
“There aren’t any easy matches on our schedule this year,” Coach Gibney conceded. “We’ll have to be ready to play every time we step onto the court.”
Solid Start
Honesdale was “ready to play” on Tuesday when the Lady Trojans came calling.
The local lasses took control of this one early, then cruised to an impressive 4-1 win over North Pocono.
Abriana Nolan and the Lady Hornet tri-captains led the way to victory. Just a sophomore, Nolan is already making a name for herself on the scholastic tennis scene.
On Tuesday, she cruised to a straight set win at #1 singles. Abriana defeated North Pocono’s Liz Sposito by a score of 6-1, 6-2.
Benita Pursch also posted a straight set win at #2. One of Honesdale’s senior captains, Pursch rolled to a 7-5, 6-0 decision over Emily Pocius.
At #1 doubles, captains Brittany Kriner & Natalie Hoff added a straight set victory of their own. This senior duo handed North Pocono’s Cara Perotti and Gwen Wandalowski a 6-3, 6-2 setback.
Honesdale sealed the deal on the match with a convincing win at #2 doubles. There, the Lady Hornet pairing of Jalena Gibbs & Maddie Putzi banged out a 6-1, 6-1 victory.
North Pocono’s only team point came courtesy of Rachel Sposito at #3 singles (6-3, 4-6, 6-1).
“This is a great group of girls,” Coach Gibney said. “I really enjoy being around them. We’re working hard, but we’re having fun, too.”
