THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, October 14, 1995 TAG: 9510140442
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PAUL WHITE, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Short : 42 lines
First Colonial's Mily Kannarkat, serving underhanded after a bout with tendinitis in her right shoulder, cruised to her second straight Beach District girls tennis title Friday with a 6-2, 6-1 victory over Tallwood's Leslie Beach at Owl Creek Municipal Tennis Center.
Kannarkat's victory was the centerpiece of a impressive display of depth and power by the Patriots, who also finished fourth in the A singles, first and second in the doubles and first, second and third in the B singles.
``It was an awesome day,'' Patriots' coach Sharon Conyers said.
More like a routine day for Kannarkat, a sophomore and the defending Group AAA state champion who improved to 11-0 and has yet to lose in 37 high school matches.
Beach, a runner-up in the district tournament for the third straight year, lost for only the second time in 19 matches this season, both times to Kannarkat. The Patriots' star has accounted for five of Beach's six losses the past two years.
``I had enough opportunities,'' Beach said. ``I just need to make more shots during crucial times in the match.''
Kannarkat, who has been serving underhanded most of the season, said her shoulder is fine but feels she needs more practice before resuming her normal delivery.
Both players advance to the Eastern Region tournament Oct. 23-24. Kannarkat will begin defense of her regional title against Peninsula District runner-up Scottie Howard of Lafayette. Beach will face Peninsula champion Brooke Reid of Ferguson in a rematch of last month's Newport News Invitational won by Beach in straight sets.
In the district doubles final, Katie Walters and Laura Bridges, the Patriots' No. 2 team, upset their No. 1 teammates, Kannarkat and Anne Crenshaw, 7-5, 6-1. Both teams earned regional tournament berths. by CNB