The inspired run of the Scarborough tennis teams finally came to an end Saturday at Colby College in Waterville.

In the Class A state final, both Red Storm squads met their match at the hands of perennial champion Lewiston.

The boys’ team, coming off the first regional crown in program history, did manage to win a point in the state final, but fell, 4-1 to the Blue Devils, to end their season at 14-2.

Junior Alex Henny delivered the point, winning his first singles match, 6-0, 7-5. Senior Dennis Liu fell at No. 2 singles (1-6, 4-6). Senior Andrew Talbot dropped his third singles match, 1-6, 5-7. Joe Corbeau and Jeff Sirocki lost at first doubles, 4-6, 6-7 (6).  Juniors Dan Slavin and Zach Pelczar dropped their second doubles match, 5-7, 3-6.

“I thought we played at a very high level for our first time in Class A championship match,” said Scarborough coach Craig McDonald. “We never gave up and kept fighting to the end, but Lewiston’s experience and clutch play during the crucial moments, I believe was the difference.”

The Red Storm will build on this experience and look to get back to states in 2012.

“Next year, we return seven players who started at one point or another during the season. The two spots that need to be filled next year are second and third singles that were vacated by our two senior captains, Dennis Liu and Andrew Talbot.”

The girls’ squad, which rose from the No. 4 seed to win their first regional championship, was blanked by Lewiston, 5-0, and wound up 12-4.

Senior Cortney Hughes and sophomore Maria Philbrick were close at first doubles, but lost, 6-7 (5), 1-6. The second doubles pairing of seniors Laura Flewelling and Christina Bilodeau fell, 1-6, 0-6. Senior Jenna Posey lost her first singles match, 1-6, 1-6. Junior Brazilian exchange student Fernanda Delboni dropped a 4-6, 3-6 decision at second singles and junior Rachel Webber was defeated, 2-6, 3-6 at No. 3 singles.

“It was a great run and to do it with this great group of people will be something I will remember,” said Scarborough coach Lincoln MacIsaac. “Getting a chance to win states was all these girls wanted. They believed they could do it and the girls really dedicated themselves to the concept of team play. The seniors, especially Cortney, Christina, Jenna and Laura, pulled this group together and prepared themselves and the others to play harder than any other group we have had. They led by example and attitude, and I will always appreciate them for what they did for this team.

“For the program, it just validates all the hard work these athletes put in year in and year out and the value of team chemistry. Lewiston has been the best girls’ tennis program in the state for the last 15 years. We were really competitive and won some tough points and games off of them, especially at first doubles, but Lewiston is well coached and they hit some shots in crucial situations. We played hard and I am very proud of this team. These girls left it all out there on the court.”

Don’t expect the Red Storm to be a one-year wonder. They hope to return in 2012 and finish the job.

“Next year, we hope to build off this success,” said MacIsaac. “We are returning captain Rachel Webber and Maria Philbrick, who are two very talented tennis players and athletes. We also have other players who had some varsity experience this spring and will be important varsity players. And we have a core group of sophomores and freshmen who have shown some talent and work ethic who will add a lot of depth and they now have seen how hard they have to work to get to that next level.”

Sports Editor Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @foresports.

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