Tiverton’s Tiger tennis team continues to improve, and earned a few firsts when they faced off against St. Raphael Academy in singles and doubles action Tuesday afternoon. The Tigers won their first match of the season 4-3, losing three singles matches but dominating in first, second and third doubles, where they won all three matches with the help of a forfeit in third doubles due to  St. Ray’s not having enough players to compete.

Highlights:

• At fourth singles, Courtnie Smith brought the first 2023 season match win to Tiverton, winning her match in the third set after losing the first. Courtnie dug deep and played to her best for the second set, earning the chance of both hers and the team's first victory in her third set.

• At second doubles, Sophia Han and Juniper Merkle won their first set this season at 6-1. Sophia was hustling to every ball and playing a strong game at the net. In the second set, Juniper found her net game as well, and won the second set with ease at 6-2.

At first doubles, Caroline Durost and Brooke Sowa came out strong in their first set, winning it 6-2. But they also split sets, falling short 4-6 on the second. Pushing daylight at 6:10 p.m., Caroline and Brooke came out on top in the third set, clinching the team’s first overall match win on a match point at deuce, when they were up 5-4.

Coaches Jessica Cullinan and Natasha Tavares said they are proud of how hard and smart team members played during the match.

“Breaking the team losing streak was merely a bonus and direct result of this team’s efforts,” Cullinan said. “This outcome was well-deserved.”