Greenwich girls tennis team defeated by Darien; St. Joseph tops Cards’ in softball

By David Fierro on April 27, 2021 • ( Leave a comment )

**Photo by Lulu Diez de Bonilla**: Greenwich’s No. 1 singles player Ivanna Diez de Bonilla hits a backhand during the Cardinals’ match against Darien on Monday, April 26, 2021, in Darien. The Blue Wave beat the Cardinals, 7-0.

Greenwich High School’s girls tennis team dropped a 7-0 decision to host Darien in an FCIAC matchup held on Monday. In softball action, Greenwich was defeated by St. Joseph, 12-0, in Trumbull, also on Monday.

On the tennis court, Darien senior Emily Wiley posted a 6-4, 6-2 win against Greenwich sophomore Ivanna Diez de Bonilla at first singles. In the No. 2 singles match, Blue Wave freshman Sarah Donnelly was victorious against Cardinals freshman Kyra Dybas, 6-2, 6-0.

“We had a lot of good, competitive matches,” Greenwich coach Julie Shropshire said. “Darien served really well on all lines, putting pressure on us from the beginning.”

At third singles, Emmeline Wang of the Blue Wave defeated Cardinals freshman Malena Schraa, 6-2, 6-4. Fourth singles saw Ava de Castro, a Blue Wave sophomore, notch a 6-3, 6-1 win against Greenwich junior Courteney Sheets, 6-3, 6-1.

**Photo by Lulu Diez de Bonilla:** Malena Schraa of Greenwich returns a backhand during her match against Darien.

In doubles competition, Caroline Holmes/Katie Wiley from Darien took a 6-2, 7-6 decision against Cardinals senior Abby Shropshire and sophomore Julia Tamis at the top spot. At second doubles, Daniella Castallanos/Grace Althoff were victorious against Greenwich senior Kira Popa and freshman Emily Weinstein, 6-0, 6-0.

At third doubles, Cameron Cavanna/Juliette Johnson won in straight sets against sophomores Mei McGuinness/Valentina Rivano, 6-3, 6-0.

“The main difference was consistency in singles and stronger net game in doubles,” coach Shropshire said.

Photo by Lulu Diez de Bonilla: Greenwich junior Courteney Sheets gets ready to return a shot during her match vs. Darien.

With the win, Darien raised its record to 6-1. Greenwich’s record is 3-4.

“Despite not having a winning record, I feel that the girls are growing with every match,” coach Shropshire said. “They keep going for their shots and are coming off the court with a plan of what they need to work on.”

On the softball field, St. Joseph scored five runs in the third inning, added three more runs in the fourth inning and had four runs in the fifth inning. The Cadets registered 13 hits for the game.

St. Joseph, which has allowed only one run all season, ran its record to 7-0 with the victory. Senior Kayla Darling was the starting pitcher for Greenwich. Senior Chloe Smith, who plays first base, singled for the Cardinals (1-6).

Greenwich hosts Wilton on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.