Warriors clinch share of third ECC 3-A crown

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on October 7, 2009 1:46 PM

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DUDLEY -- Eastern Wayne took care of business.

And clinched a share of its third consecutive Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference women's tennis championship.

The Warriors dominated singles play in an 8-1 victory over county rival Southern Wayne on Tuesday afternoon. Eastern Wayne (13-3 overall, 8-0 ECC) can clinch the title outright Thursday against North Lenoir.

Miller Delbridge prevailed at No. 1 singles with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Southern Wayne senior Morgan Roberts.

Eastern Wayne also collected singles points from Janielle Daniel, Warner Underwood, Amber Miller and Grace Delbridge.

Fellow Warrior Kristin Baddour claimed the most hotly-contested matchup of the day at No. 6 singles with a win over Mollianne Kennedy. After winning the first set 7-5, Baddour could not contain Kennedy who took the second set 6-2. Baddour completed the singles sweep with a 10-7 victory in the tiebreaker.

"We were able to use today to get a conference win and continue preparing for the conference tournament," said Eastern Wayne head coach Kelly Matthews. "I was pleased with the way our girls played tonight."

The Warriors started hot in doubles play.

Danielle Daniel-Underwood bested the tandem of Roberts-Strickland 8-1. G. Delbridge-Miller topped Jessica Best-Parker 8-2.

Southern Wayne's lone point came at No. 3 doubles where Michala Best-Kennedy claimed an 8-3 victory.

"Well today was tough, but this team has really improved all year," said Saints head coach John Fonvielle. "We would love to go to C.B. Aycock and get a win, but if not, we finish .500 and that is pretty good. We have come a long way from the first week of the season until now."

The Saints (9-8, 4-5) travel to Pikeville on Thursday.