Monarchs Foil Troy’s Lineup Juggling Plan

Troy Coach Donna Judd knew that no matter who played singles for her team, Mater Dei’s Melissa Esmero and Mary Hung were going to get their points. So Judd, juggled her lineup in hopes of building a dominating doubles squad. It almost worked.

However, Mater Dei still had too much firepower, picking up three key sets in doubles and defeating Troy, 10-8, in the Southern Section Division II final Monday at the Claremont Club.

It was the Monarchs’ second consecutive title and the second time they had dismissed Troy in the playoffs, having defeated the Warriors in last year’s semifinals.

Judd’s roster moves appeared to be leading the Warriors (20-3) to their first title when they jumped out to a 6-3 lead midway through the second round. But the fourth-seeded Monarchs (20-2) quickly turned the tide with consecutive victories in doubles.

Senior Lauren Thomas and junior Jodi Nygaard held off freshman Michelle Dinh and sophomore Karen Eitan, 7-5, pulling the Monarchs to within 6-5. Senior Erin Herrel and sophomore Casey Knutson followed with a 6-3 victory over Veronica and Serena Fermin, who usually play singles for Troy, tying the score, 6-6, at the end of the second round.

After sweeping singles in the final round, the Monarchs had control of the match, knowing that if it came down to games, they had the title. However, Herrel and Knutson left no doubt when they defeated Dinh and Eitan, 6-4, in the final set.

“It’s a great feeling to win the title again,” Thomas said. “We went into the Woodbridge match [in the semifinals] fired up. Today we simmered down a little and just came in and played our game.”

Esmero didn’t lose a game for Mater Dei and Hung won 6-1, 6-0, 6-3.

Senior Lori Judd and junior Stacey Lee finished their dual-match season undefeated at 54-0 by winning 6-4, 6-1, 6-1 for Troy.

“This is only our second year in Division II,” Donna Judd said. “We are really just getting used to playing at this level. But we haven’t done too bad in two years, with one semifinal and one final appearance. You have to be happy with that.”