Seahawks heat up down the stretch, ground Eagles 3-2

As temperatures continue to rise, so has the play of the Sussex Academy girls’ tennis team, as seen in the Seahawks' 3-2 victory over Smyrna May 1. 

Having won six of their eight matches, the Seahawks are led by juniors Karina Lopez and Priya Haldar, who have won their last six matches, as well as eighth-grader Macy Wheatley, who has her own five-match streak going.

“It was a hotter day for sure, we knew that coming into it, but after Macy's match, I think the key thing is that we all really support each other,” Haldar said. “We cheer each other on, we pick each other up when we're down, and that is probably the best thing for our winning streak right now.”

It is the time of year when managing hydration and energy levels can make or break a match.

“You have to think about it the day before, the night before, the morning of and all throughout the day of, you have to hydrate  with electrolytes,” Haldar said. “It's really important to take your time, especially on hotter days like this. If you lose your ball to another court, don't run to get it; walk, take time, no one's rushing you.”

Haldar won her match with 6-2 and 6-1 sets while Lopez registered back-to-back 6-0 sets. Wheatley secured her fifth match after winning the first set 6-3 and the eventual tiebreaker 11-9 to win the second set 7-3.

“In the end, it's endurance and mindset,” Wheatley said.

Coach Rich Lichtenwalner praised his doubles pairs for their effort, but it was Wheatley’s performance in the tiebreaker that gave the Seahawks the win. All eyes were on the middle schooler as she pulled out the victory.

“I love it! It feels really great to have the support of your teammates; it actually kind of takes the pressure off of you a little bit just to know that they're there and support you, no matter what,” Wheatley said.

Sussex Academy (6-5) will wrap up its season at home against Seaford at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 6.