MOUNT VERNON -- They came back and held on to pull off a big early-season win. The Mount Vernon girls tennis team showed some grit and determination with a dramatic 3-2 win over visiting Mansfield Madison on Monday.
It was Mount Vernon's Katey Durbin, who came back from a 2-5 deficit in her second set and a 2-4 deficit in the third set against her opponent, Madison's Katelyn Bell, to go on and finally complete the last remaining set and take the match, 2-6, 7-6, 6-4.
"It shows that they are finally beginning to put it together," said assistant coach Steve Tier. "I was surprised by the way it kept going back and forth. It seemed like our opponents would be up a few games and then we would come back a few games. I was just really proud of how our girls stayed in there."
Earlier, Mount Vernon's Candice Jaymes took down Madison's Alyssa Long in straight sets, 7-5, 6-3.
The Jackets' win came when doubles partners Mackenzie McClure and Colleen Ricard pulled off a comeback of their own to defeat Madison's Jessica Stewart and Amber Finnegan, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5.
Also Mount Vernon's Kati Pido fell to Alyssa Kash, 6-7, 2-6. Mount Vernon's second doubles pair, Chloe Hallman and Nora Rice also lost to Madison sisters Brittany and Kaitlynn Hale, 2-6, 5-7.
This is more than just a win. The Jackets persevered and took one away from Madison.
"For this team, I think it's the big turning point in the season," said Tier. "You could see them competing in these matches. They never gave up. They played with confidence. They went for their shots. They weren't afraid. They weren't tentative. They are finally putting together, not only their skills, but the attitude that you have to have, to use those skills so you have a chance to win."
Notes: Jayvee player Lauren Butterfield, along with doubles partners Nichole Paradis and Veronica DePascuale, won their matches. Elena Gardina and Nichole Moore won a pair for doubles matches.
