QUEENS, N.Y. — St. Joseph Hill defeated CHSAA Archdiocese defending champion Dominican Academy, 4-0, Thursday, at the National Tennis Center, putting the Hilltoppers in the driver’s seat for the playoffs.
Hill (5-1 in the CHSAA) began the match strong with another impressive win by ace Emily Agushi at first singles. That was quickly followed by Hill’s second doubles squad which won 6-1,7-5.
However, the remaining three matches were proving to be difficult battles.
Hill’s first doubles squad, Ryan Burke and Michela Conforte, were able to rebound from an early 1-4 deficit to secure, yet again, Hill’s deciding point 7-5, 6-4.
In the best match of the day, Hill’s Cassandra Trinidad survived a barnburner. After easily winning the first set vs. DA’s Gemone Cheng 6-0, Cheng reversed the tables with an impressive 6-4 comeback. However, in the master tiebreaker Trinidad squeaked by 10-8.
In the last match, Hill’s Gabby Zagaja was leading in another thriller 7-6, 4-1 before time expired.
Hill faces St. Joseph by-the-Sea Friday with a rematch vs. Dominican on Saturday.
Results:
1S: Emily Agushi (H) def. Korea Sardias (DA) 6-0, 6-0
2S: Cassandra Trinidad (H) def. Gemone Cheng (DA) 6-0, 4-6, 10-8
3S: Gabby Zagaja (H) lead Mily Malaglaes (DA) 7-6 (7-3), 4-1
1D: Ryan Burke/Michela Conforte(H) def. Christine Johnson/MAry Serton (DA) 7-5, 6-4
2D: Sara Demiri/MAry Scarangello (H) def. Isabellą Scola/Maja Kaspuzycka (DA) 6-1, 7-5