Vandebilt sweeps tennis regionals

Vandebilt made for an ungracious host placing seven out of eight finalists and winning all four divisions in the Region 3-4A tennis tournament last week.

The Terriers hosted the two-day tournament on its home courts, Renaissance Health & Racquet Club.

The Terriers boys’ team earned 16 points, while the Lady Terriers scored 15.

“When you have three of four all Vandebilt finals, there’s a lot to be said for that. That speaks volumes,” said Vandebilt Kevin P. Ramirez. “”We got a pretty strong team, and our kids played about how we thought they’d play.”

Freshmen Matt Spence and Emma Pitre won their respective singles titles. Spence beat teammate McCall Walker, 6-3, 6-0, for the boys’ title. Pitre claimed the girls’ crown with a 6-0, 6-2 win over Morgan City’s Devan Scioneaux.

Doubles action was all Vandebilt match-ups. Nick Caletri and Jacob Richard defeated teammates beat Jake Clements and David Romano, 6-0, 6-1 for the boys’ crown.

The best match of the finals, and maybe the tournament, was in girls’ doubles. Ruth and Jessica Bourque needed three grueling sets beat Alexandria Bourgeois and Michelle Lyons, 6-3, 1-6, 6-4.

“I’ve said that for two years. I really feel that they’re not No. 1 or No. 2. They’re 1A and 1B,” said Ramirez. “I’d be very surprised if both of them don’t make it to at least the semifinals if not better. They are two of the best doubles teams in the state.”

The Class 4A state championships will be held Monday and Tuesday at Renaissance Health & Racquet Club. Matches begin at 8:30 a.m. each day.

Jessica Bourque returns serve during the girls’ doubles finals. * Photo by KEYON JEFF