Westhampton Plays In Tennis Semis

For the first time in almost a decade, Westhampton Beach is headed to the Suffolk semifinals.

The No. 2-seeded girls tennis team got an extra day of rest after outscoring No. 7 East Hampton 6-1 in the quarterfinals October 20. Helena Jones and Rieve Delisle defeated Annelise Mendelman and Sammi Schurr, 6-0, 6-1 at third doubles to lead the Hurricanes (15-0) to their first semifinal appearance since 2009.

“They continued to beat us more soundly each time,” East Hampton head coach Kevin McConville said in a previous interview. “But I was pleased with the doubles and singles progress. Everyone definitely got better.”

Because the No. 3 Harborfields–No. 6 Islip matchup was postponed from Saturday to Monday, October 22, Westhampton’s supposed-to-be Monday game against the winner was pushed to Tuesday. Results of the semifinal were not available by press time.

“Our team has significant depth, which is what is required to win a team title,” Westhampton head coach John Czartosieski said, pointing to nationally-ranked freshman Rose Hayes, who transferred from McGann-Mercy when the school closed this year, and his upperclassmen. “Everyone has stepped up and worked hard in practice to improve throughout the season. With Rose Hayes at first singles and our veteran seniors we have a really good chance.”

Should the Hurricanes win, they’ll face No. 1 Commack (15-0) in the county final game October 24 at William Floyd High School at 2 PM. The Cougars were eliminated by William Floyd in last year’s quarterfinals.

Looking Back

No. 10-seeded William Floyd edged No. 23 Mattituck 4-3 October 18, with Saskia DaSilva defeating Ashley Parker, 6-3, 7-5 in the deciding second singles match. The Colonials went on to face No. 7 East Hampton/Bridgehampton/Pierson, which had received a first-round bye, and fell 6-1 to the Bonackers October 19.

Senior Becca Kuperschmid lead the charge, sweeping her opponent Alyssa Drell, 6-0, 6-0, as all four East Hampton singles players beat their William Floyd opponents in two sets. Sophomore Juliana Barahona won her second singles match 6-2, 6-2; Caroline Micallif won at third 6-1, 6-1; and Katie Annicelli won at fourth 6-2, 6-0.

East Hampton also took wins in second and third doubles, both coming down to a decisive third set. Eva Wojtusiak and Kaylee Mendelman took a 6-3, 5-7, 10-6 victory, and Annelise Mendelman and her doubles partner Sammi Schurr claimed their win with a 6-2, 2-6, 10-2 showing.

“Juliana is doing really well, and even went through losing in the second round of the individual county tournament — she played a very good match and after being up 5-0 in the first set, lost 7-5, 6-3,” McConville said of his recent addition from Colombia. “She’s going to be my top returning player, so she got a lot of really good experience this year.”

desiree@indyeastend.com