Unbeaten Port Clinton hands Clyde its first loss
CLYDE – Port Clinton coach Lindsay Dunn had a simple message for her team Tuesday before it defeated previously unbeaten Clyde 3-2 in the Sandusky Bay Conference to remain undefeated.
“She told us to leave it on the court and have fun,” said the Redskins’ Alyssa Krupp, who topped Beatriz Ytuarte-Orantes 6-2, 6-2 at No. singles. “Going into the match there was no pressure from Coach.”
Krupp has one loss in dual matches this season for the Redskins (11-0, 3-0) while Ytuarte-Orantes, who is from Mexico, suffered her first setback Tuesday for the Fliers (6-1, 3-1).
“The turning point for me was when I won the first game in the second set,” Krupp said. “I built up confidence and when I’m confident I play better. I wasn’t sure who I’d play with Clyde’s lineup. I didn’t know her playing style.”
Dunn’s advice helped the Redskins relax, despite possible conference ramifications.
“Everybody played freely,” Krupp said. “Before the season we didn’t expect (to be 11-0), but after a few practices we knew we had this in us. Beating undefeated Clyde is awesome. This win brought our team together and closer.”
Port Clinton’s Kelsey Dietrich topped Melissa Laconis 6-3, 6-3 at No. 2 singles to keep her dual record unblemished. She was 17-0 in dual matches last season.
“My preseason goal was to stay undefeated,” Dietrich said. “I’ve been winning because I stay consistent. Another big part is ball placement. I can keep the ball going, but I know how to end the point.”
The Redskins’ Taylor Steyer and Meghan Gallogly beat Andrea Nearhood and Emma Bowers 7-6 (4), 6-4 at No. 1 doubles. Nearhood and Bowers climbed within 5-4 and the final game was tied 30-30.
It was the last varsity match to be determined. Steyer and Gallogly, who are unbeaten in their nine dual matches together, are used to the spotlight after decisive matches against Norwalk and Perkins.
“We’ve been in those situations so many times, it’s second nature,” Gallogly said. “We played it point by point. We didn’t get down on ourselves. We played smart. Taylor was working well at the net and cutting off those points was key.”
Marissa Gill beat Emma Eickert 6-1, 6-0 at No. 3 singles for Clyde. Jane Kardotzke and Maddie St. Marie topped Hannah Roberts and Lauren Steyer 6-2, 6-2.
“They took the lead in the league,” Fliers coach Jeff MacFarland said. “We saw some things we have to work on. They’re solid. I was happy with Marissa. She’s been strong at singles the last two weeks. Jane and Maddie haven’t played together a lot.
“They gelled. For Beatriz to come in and get a few games, I was happy. Melissa fought like crazy. First doubles saw a different style. Port Clinton didn’t make mistakes. They didn’t give up on points.”
Port Clinton also topped Perkins 3-2 on the road.
“It’s nice to have most of our tough away matches over with,” Krupp said. “Next time Clyde and Perkins will be on our turf. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season and what it has in store.”
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