Knights shut out Cloverdale Eagles, but not without some major suspense
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KELSEYVILLE >> Maddy Borghesani battled back for a 3-6, 6-2, 7-5 win over Dylan Sanchez in first singles as the Kelseyville High School tennis team beat Cloverdale 5-0 in Coastal Mountain Conference North action Thursday at Kelseyville.
While the match was a shutout in the Knights’ favor, there was a decent amount of suspense, beginning with the first-singles battle between Borghesani and Sanchez.
“Clearly the match of the day,” Kelseyville head coach Andy Dobusch said. “Maddy had to dig deep to win this one. Dylan was serving the ball well and hitting some hard forehands, and Maddy was struggling a bit with her serve early on.”
Added Dobusch, “After dropping the first set, she came back on a tear and won the second set 6-2. I thought the momentum would carry her through the third set, but Dylan got the early lead and was turning it into a rout. He was up 5-1 and needless to say, Maddy’s energy wasn’t the greatest.”
Saving numerous match points while winning the next six games, Borghesani pulled out a hard-fought 7-5 victory in the final set.
“She kept fighting, didn’t give up, and didn’t freeze up. She stayed aggressive until the end,” Dobusch said. “It was a great match.”
Ryan Taylor beat Edgar Arellano 6-1, 7-6 (7-2) in second singles.
“Wow, this one got close in the end,” Dobusch said. “Ryan started fast and was about to end fast before Edger went on a four-game run to take it to a tiebreaker (in the second set). Ryan got out to an early lead and never looked back.”
Added Dobusch, “Ryan had nice passing shots and lobs today, which nullified aggressive play by Edgar. If Ryan would have lost that (second) set, it would have been tough to bounce back. Tennis is such a game of confidence and momentum. I’m glad he held on in the tiebreak.”
Kelseyville won by forfeit in third singles.
In doubles action, Olivia Raabe and Riley Lopez beat Joceyln Pulido and Ashleee Gonzalez 6-1, 6-3 in first doubles.
“Nice steady play,” Dobusch said of Raabe and Lopez. “We got our serves in and were more consistent. I never had to worry about this match, which after watching the first two singles matches was a welcomed relief.”
Olivia Bushey and Riley Hanson completed the Kelseyville sweep with a 6-2, 6-4 win in second doubles.
“These two freshmen are part of a larger group that pushes each other,” Dobusch said. “They continue to impress and push to get to the No. 1 spot. Great serving and court coverage led them to a routine, straight-set win.”
Kelseyville hits the road Monday when it visits Fort Bragg.
