SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - It has been a successful 2021 season for the Jim Thorpe girls’ tennis program.

The Olympians posted an 11-5 regular season record, and last week sent two players into the District 11 Singles Tournament.

Jim Thorpe couldn’t add another chapter to its success story, however, as perennial contender Blue Mountain swept the Olympians, 5-0, on Monday in the quarterfinal round of the District 11 Class 2A Team Tournament.

The Eagles got off to hot starts all the way through their lineup as singles players Aspen Weizer, Kate Rubinkam and Mackenzie Romia all rolled to dominating first set victories - dropping a combined two games between them.

“It was one of the colder starts we’ve gotten out to this season, and sometimes when that happens the match can get away from you, and unfortunately, that’s what happened today,” said Jim Thorpe head coach Sam Lux. “I liked our effort, I still think we battled, but we just weren’t able to put it together today, and that’s tough against a solid team in Blue Mountain.”

The Olympians came into the match with high hopes after posting a 3-2 victory over the Eagles back on Sept. 11 - the first time in program history that Jim Thorpe ever beat Blue Mountain.

“It was great to see these girls improve throughout the season. They really learned how to battle and compete for points, and really acquired that competitive edge you need in tennis,” said Lux. “Everyone really improved for us. I mean, we’ve only ever had a few teams in our school history qualify for the team districts, so it shows you what this team was able to accomplish.”

In doubles, Blue Mountain was able to get off to a similar fast start as Carly Seizinger and Natalie Brown, and Leah Walasanac and Avery Moyer got out to 6-2 and 6-0 advantages. The early momentum created by the Eagles was just too much for Thorpe to overcome.

STRAIGHT SETS ... The dominating first set wins in all five matches turned into straight set sweeps across the board for the Eagles.

SENIOR LEADERSHIP ... The Olympians were led this season by the play of seniors - Gabby Nunez, Kaylinn Trine and Taylor Saba. “This was a great senior group that provided a lot of leadership and dedication. When you have groups like that it sets the tone for the whole team and they will be missed a ton that’s for sure,” said Lux.

DOUBLES REMAINING ... While Monday’s loss ended the season for the majority of the Jim Thorpe team, top singles players Nunez and Tara McLean will combine their talents at next week’s District 11 Doubles Tournament. Pairings and seedings for that tourney will be announced in the upcoming days.

Blue Mountain 5, Jim Thorpe 0

SINGLES

Aspen Weizer (BM) def. Gabby Nunez 6-0, 6-2; Kate Rubinkam (BM) def. Tara McLean 6-1, 6-2; Mackenzie Romia (BM) def. Hailey Trine 6-1, 6-2.

DOUBLES

Carly Seizinger/Natalie Brown (BM) def. Kaylinn Trine/Taylor Saba 6-2, 6-2; Leah Walasanac/Avery Moyer (BM) def. Julia Green/Ashlynn Miller 6-0, 6-4.