Lady Wreckers swat Darien

The Staples girls tennis team won 5-2 at Darien Saturday to raise its record at 11-2.

With the win, Staples assured itself of finishing at least as a fourth seed and guaranteed itself a home playoff match.

"It puts us in a really good position," Lady Wreckers coach Amanda Giudice said. "We knew what we were in for and had to play good tennis. We had to move the girls around the court and make sure we came out on top. We used good footwork and made sure we were ready for what they threw at us."

Staples ` Melissa Beretta and Kate Collins had straight set victories at first and second singles, respectively.

The Lady Wreckers lost at third and fourth singles. Leigh Rubin lost in three sets at third singles, and Frankie Lynch fell short at fourth singles in straight sets.

In doubles action, Staples won all three matches, but was challenged in two of them. Nicole Marcante and Kelsey Shockey won in straight sets at first doubles, but were pushed to a tiebreaker in the second set. Alexis Teixiera and Sarah Herbsman bounced back from a first-set loss to win in three sets at third doubles.

Gabi Titlebaum and Avery Wallace won in straight sets at second doubles.

"It was a pretty important win," Marcante said. "A lot of players stepped it up because they realized we were playing a good team. They played their best and it paid off."

With the win, the Lady Wreckers feel confident about the upcoming FCIAC tournament, which starts Monday.

"Darien wasn't an easy opponent," Marcante said. "It shows if we focus and play our best, we can accomplish a lot."

Staples raised its record to 12-2 with a 7-0 home win over Trinity Catholic Monday.

The Lady Wreckers know winning the FCIAC and Class L tournaments will be tough and hope to raise their game.

"We'll try our hardest, make sure we hit solid shots and move the opposing players," Giudice said. "We hope to go far in FCIACs and states."