Deer Isle—The tennis teams have also suffered from a cold wet spring and small rosters. Consequently, the lineups for each team are still being determined but these are the projected positions at this time. Coach Mark Churchill has had his work cut out for him between some players getting sidelined and nasty weather.
For the girls team, the singles will be carried by junior Marissa Judkins, who has played two years and sophomore Emma Plummer. The third single will be determined with more inter-squad play. Sophomores Jill McDonald and Ariel Larrabee will form one of the doubles team. Seniors Addie McDonald and Gabby Gray will form another doubles team. First year players sophomore McHenna Martin and freshman Anwen Hudson will most likely form a doubles team as they gain more experience.
With limited experience, this team will have fluid positions for the beginning of the season. If softball has a short season, tennis is even shorter. It comes fast and furious and before you know it, it’s the postseason. The girls will have to get up to speed quickly to be able to have a preliminary playoff game as we did last year.
The boys team is in a similar situation as the girls with a bit more experience. The singles will be carried by junior Benjamin Penfold, and sophomores Mason Woodman and Dakota Emrick. The order of positions will be determined with more inter-squad play. One doubles team is likely juniors Mason Plummer and Ian Cust. Another likely doubles team will be sophomore Drew Wendell and freshman Henry Penfold. There are two more players who will be able to help out if they can become academically eligible.
The boys have a bit more experience and will work hard to repeat their performance from last year when they won their preliminary playoff game and made it to the playoffs before losing. We need a few year-round tennis players to bolster the team and help lead the others. We need to be challenged in practice so we can get up to speed quickly.
The 2019 Deer Isle-Stonington High School tennis team includes, in front from left, Coach Mark Churchill, Jill McDonald, Elijah Stinson, Ian Cust, Addie McDonald and Marissa Judkins. In back are Drew Wendell, Anwen Hudson, Henry Penfold, McHenna Martin, Mason Woodman, Ben Penfold and Mason Plummer. Not pictured are Dakota Emrick, Wyatt Eaton, Emma Plummer, Gabby Gray and Ariel Larrabee. Photo by Monique Labbe