Cape girls’ tennis makes good showing at conferences

The Cape girls’ tennis squad had a medalist at each position at the Henlopen Conference tournament May 11 at Sea Colony Tennis Center in Bethany Beach.

Senior Marcella Sabbagh and the second doubles team of freshmen Samantha Connors and Julianna Warnock placed second in the tournament, earning four team points each. Maryann Tietbohl placed third at first singles and Amanda Sponaugle placed third at second singles to earn three team points each. The first doubles team of Anna Harrington and Taylor Smith also took third for three team points.

The Lady Vikings’ 17 points placed them third behind Dover (30 points) and Caesar Rodney (18 points). Smyrna came in fourth with 10 points.

“We've always called Maryann the energizer bunny,” said Cape coach Laurie Carter. “We can count on her to figure out her opponent’s weakness. She’s placed No. 3 for three years.

“Amanda improved so much this season that she moved from the first doubles position for the past two years to a second singles position. Marcella met her personal goal and moved into a second-place position after being third the past two seasons.

“The dynamic duo of Taylor and Anna played together at second doubles for the past two years and this year stepped up to first doubles, finishing third overall in the conference. They were very comfortable with one another, and it shows.  

“Freshmen Juliana Warnock and Samantha Connors stepped into the second doubles spot this year and placed second. They played their best tennis of the season. All in all, we knew we would medal, and had high hopes, but were so overwhelmed when it was all over.”