Frank Speziale Photo

NORWICH – A day to remember, and hopefully one that will inspire improved play moving into the post season, Norwich tennis capped off its 2017 season with a loss at home to rival Chenango Forks at 5-2.
“We lost tonight against a very good forks team on senior night and to have an 8-4 record and finish third in the division shows just how tough this division was,” said Norwich head coach John Stewart.
Prior to the beginning of the match on Thursday, September 28, Norwich honored their two graduating seniors, Caroline Stewart and Megan Burke.
“Both girls have been in the program for six and four years, respectively, with Megan playing two years of modified. The girls have played over 150 varsity matches in their varsity career with a 77 percent (Caroline) and a 73 percent (Megan) winning percentage. They have been part of the core group that has brought home five straight divisional titles. Now with the regular season over the two will continue into the post season playing doubles together in a quest for a second straight doubles title,” said coach Stewart.
Despite the celebrations of senior night, Norwich failed to earn a win on the singles side, with the lone two wins coming at first and second doubles.
“First and second doubles got the only two wins of the night, again playing solid tennis. Doubles is about chemistry and both of these teams have great chemistry and really played the best tennis of the season. Both teams finished the season with an impressive 10-2 record,” said coach Stewart.
Taking the win at first doubles was Norwich’s top duo of Riley Marsh and Natalie Benenati. Marsh and Benenati cranked out an impressive 6-0 and 6-2 win at first singles, defeating Sarah Simonis and Sydney Fendick.
Parker Walsh and Katie Gawronski earned the second win for the lady Tornado, downing Jordan Meeker and Sydney Christian by a score of 6-2 and 6-4.
Norwich managed five unfortunate losses on the night – as third doubles dropped a match at 6-1 and 6-0 with Catie Lally and Katie Zimmerman downing Norwich’s Logan Fredenburg and Erica Gage.
Norwich was swept at singles play – with both seniors losing in straight sets to their opponent.
Cassandra Pinataro of Chenango Forks defeated Norwich’s Caroline Stewart at 6-1 and 6-0, while Hannah Benscoter bested Megan Burke in straight sets at 6-0 and 6-0.
With both seniors dropping their final regular season matches, they will be teaming up to form a doubles team heading into sectional play.
“Norwich now moves on to sectional play,” said coach Stewart.
At third and fourth singles, Norwich’s Granquist sisters were defeated – resulting in 5-2 Blue Devils win.
Colleen Samsel of Chenango Forks defeated Olivia Granquist at 6-4 and 6-1 for the win at third singles. Fourth singles yielded yet another straight set loss for Norwich with Ava Granquist losing to Gianna Rullo at 6-0 and 6-4.
Norwich tennis (6-4 league, 8-4 conference, 6-0 class, and 8-4 overall), will now prepare for sectional play as the regular season has concluded – placing Norwich third in the STAC East division behind 10-0 Chenango Forks and the Seton Catholic.