THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 22, 1995 TAG: 9509220630
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 50 lines
It was a clash of district powers. Perennial favorite Great Bridge was hosting upstart Indian River in a crucial showdown in the Southeastern girls tennis title race.
The intensity was heightened by the introduction of unknown Brazilian exchange student Helena Carvalho, who is undefeated at the No. 1 spot for the Braves. At No. 1 for Great Bridge was Kim Burnop, also unbeaten in district play.
Carvalho and Burnop battled for almost two hours in an exciting match that proved to be insignificant in the overall results. The Wildcats retained their powerful district stance with a 7-1 overall victory. Carvalho won the only singles match for the Braves, edging Burnop, 6-4, 2-6, 6-1.
``If we can get past Western Branch, we're hoping we'll be able to get to the regionals,'' Great Bridge coach Ginny Matish said. ``(Indian River) was an unknown quantity with an unknown Brazilian player for a No. 1 player. We had been watching their scores. But we have really good depth. Not many schools in the Southeastern district have the depth we do.''
Burnop displayed a powerful court presence, overcoming long rallies by racing to the net. Carvalho played a more steady style, holding more to the baseline. Her strong serves and two-handed backhand proved too much for Burnop.
Carvalho took an early lead, but Burnop rallied and took the first set, 6-4. She held the momentum and went up 2-0 in the second, but Carvalho's consistent forehands took a toll. After Carvahlo won the second set 6-2 Burnop requested a 10-minute break.
The third set was more of a struggle than the score demonstrated, but Carvalho stayed in control throughout.
Long points and long games highlighted the final stanza. Carvalho powered a 3-0 margin and held on for the 6-1 win.
At No. 2, Indian River's Erin Irelan suffered her first defeat of the year, falling 7-5, 6-0 to Beth Hartley. In other matches, Liz Higgins defeated Melissa Mason 6-2, 6-1; Marion Withers defeated Kim Crook 6-0, 6-4; Jennifer Little defeated Stephanie Esposo 6-0, 6-2; and Jeana Matyiko defeated Heather Ayers 6-2, 6-2.
In doubles action, Burnop and Hartley tied Carvahlo and Ireland 3-3 in a game called by darkness. Higgins and Withers defeated Mason/Crook 8-4 and Little and Matyiko defeated Esposa and Ayers 8-0. by CNB