State Tennis Championship Preview

LEWISTON, Maine (WABI) - The stage is set for Wednesday’s state tennis championships at Bates College.

Regional titles started on Saturday in Bangor with Class C North.

The MCI boys booked their ticket to Lewiston with a 4-1 victory over Washington Academy.

“We have a lot of depth. Throughout the lineup, every court is a threat, from our first singles to second doubles. We can win every single court,” said Harry Holmstrom, senior captain.

This year’s core is happy to make their first trip to the state championship.

They’ve got Waynflete at 8:30 a.m.

The Flyers beat North Yarmouth Academy, 3-2, for the South title.

The Orono girls capped off Saturday’s action in Bangor with a 4-1 Class C North championship win over Van Buren.

The Red Riots are happy to reach the state title match after falling in the regional championship last season.

“It feels really cool. I feel like the most cool part about it is really the team’s dedication this year. It’s been really nice to see. We all are seniors pretty much this year, except for Calie (Soderberg), so it’s a pretty sad but exciting moment for us,” said Natalie Vespoli, senior captain.

They’ll face Maranacook for the state championship at 8:30 a.m. after the Black Bears swept Madison for the South crown.

Maranacook will be looking to defend its state title.

In Monday’s regional championship action, Camden Hills captured the Class A North boys title, 4-1 over Bangor.

The Windjammers defended their regional crown with an iron-sharpens-iron approach all season long.

“We have a super-strong team down the line. In practice, we all switch it up and play with everyone, which increases the level of everyone there. I think it just shows how strong we are altogether. That’s the end goal, right? (It’s to) make it to the state (championship) and win it, so I think we’ve been working at it all year, and it’d be a really big accomplishment for us,” said Mac Pierce, senior.

Camden Hills goes from defending a regional title to a new revenge goal in the state championship match.

The Windjammers will be facing Falmouth at 12:30 p.m.

Last year, the Navigators swept Camden Hills for the state title.

This season, Falmouth defeated Thornton Academy, 4-1, to win Class A South.

The Navigators are three-time defending state champions.

On the girls side of Class A North, Brunswick is undefeated and won its fifth regional title in six years, 4-1 over Brewer.

The Dragons will be counting on their state championship experience.

“It definitely helps me be used to the pressure. In the big matches, you can feel like all the weight is on you. But, you just have to kind of pretend it’s a regular match. We’re very cohesive and have a very good chance,” said Molly Tefft, senior.

The Dragons will in action at 12:30 p.m. in the state championship match.

Brunswick draws Falmouth there.

The Navigators have won the last two Class A state titles.

Falmouth won its fifth South championship in six years by sweeping Scarborough.

The Navs did the same to Camden Hills in last season’s state championship.

The Hermon Hawks made history when they defeated Caribou, 3-2, in the Class B North boys championship.

Now, they’re ready to add one more title this spring.

“This is huge for the program and the community behind it. This is the first regional, first semifinal, and first regional championship that this town has ever seen, boys and girls. So, it means a lot for the community to see a tennis team win. All these people, I’d take into battle, any one of them,” said Nate Sullivan, senior.

The Hawks will be up against the South champion Yarmouth Clippers, who swept Cape Elizabeth for the regional title, at 4:30 p.m.

Waterville and Cape Elizabeth will battle for the Class B state girls tennis championship at 4:30 p.m.

Both teams won their regions in 3-2 contests.

The Panthers defeated Presque Isle in the North, while the Capers edged Cony in the South.