The Manchester Essex girls tennis team advanced all the way to the Division 4 state championship last spring, and they appear to be picking up right where they left off.
After taking down Danvers in convincing fashion in their season opener on Monday, the Hornets were tasked with traveling to perennial Cape Ann League power Newburyport on a wet Wednesday afternoon. They passed the test, securing a narrow 3-2 victory to remain unbeaten on the young season.
Sarah Cort came up with a hard fought, three-set decision at first singles, dominating the final set to secure a 7-5, 4-6, 6-2 triumph. Grace Scarbrough followed suit at No. 2 singles, earning a 6-2, 6-2 win.
Both the Hornets’ doubles squad dropped two-set matches, but Ellen Gilson came up clutch with a comeback 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 win at No. 3 singles to seal the deal for her team.
Manchester will look to move to 3-0 when it takes on Rockport on the road Friday afternoon (4 p.m. start).