Clutch wins in doubles matches led Andover to two close victories against the Pingree School on Saturday and St. Paul’s School on Wednesday. Andover broke the tie in the final match to steal a 3-2 overall win against Pingree. The team also won against St. Paul’s 9-6. Co-Captain Eliza Flynn ’10 returned to the lineup for the meet against Pingree after being sidelined due to injury last week. She squared off against the number-one ranked U18 player in New England, and fell short 2-6, 1-6. Fay Feghali ’12 took the number two spot, but also fell to a highly ranked opponent. Feghali finished her match 0-6, 0-6. Co-Captain Stacia Vladimirova ’11 teamed up with Elizabeth Kelly ’11 in a doubles match. The pair crushed opponents 6-1, 6-3, keeping Andover alive in the meet. In the second doubles spot MJ Engel ’13 and Borkeny Sambou ’12 cruised to an easy 6-4, 6-4 win, which left the overall outcome of the meet up to Katherine Lee’s ’13 singles match. Teammates cheering her from the sidelines, Lee battled her opponent in the third singles position for over two hours. “There was a lot of encouragement while on the court. We gave each other good advice and cheered each other on, and I think that made a difference,” said Lee. She finally came out on top 7-5 in the third set, securing the 3-2 win for Andover. “The girls were truly tested by the skilled Pingree team, so it was very much of a team effort to come away with a win,” said Coach Martha Grant. Later in the week, Andover faced a weaker St. Paul’s squad. However, with Flynn unable to play due to injury once again, the matches ended up closer than anticipated. Andover finished its singles matches tied 6-6, so the doubles matches were essential for a win. Feghali and Lee paired up in the first doubles position and easily beat their St. Paul’s opponents, 8-3. In the number two doubles position, Kelly and Vladimirova rallied back and forth with St. Paul’s throughout the entire match. The two pulled through in a tie-breaker and snagged a 9-8 win. Engel and Midori Ishizuka ’11 played in the third doubles position, winning 8-6 and further contributing to the overall team victory. After two early victories, Anwill face off against Nobles Friday and Choate on Saturday.
