By: JEFF SEIVERLING Review Correspondent, Staff Writer

Ephrata's top singles player Brittany Smith rips a backhand shot during Thursday's match vs. McCaskey. (Photo by Preston Whitcraft)

Who needs the U.S. Open? There is great tennis being played right here in our own backyard.

Last Thursday, on a brilliant 86 degree day, there was some of that on display as the Ephrata girls tennis team swept past McCaskey, 7-0, in a match that was closer than the score would indicate.

In a match-up of number two doubles, Ephrata came back from a 6-4 deficit to win 8-6 as seniors Abby Smith and Laura Kramer won the hard fought match. Over on Court One, Ephrata’s top-ranked doubles team of Brittany Smith and Cassandra Enck won 8-3. A well-placed forehand down the line gave them a 4-1 lead and they never looked back. Juniors Megan Mendez and Kaylee Sweigart completed the doubles sweep with an 8-6 victory at number three doubles.

In singles action, Brittany Smith won in straight sets (6-3, 6-3) at number one while Enck cruised as well, winning 6-2, 6-1 at number two.

Abby Smith (6-4, 6-1) and Kylie Johnson (6-0, 6-2) completed the sweep with wins at three and four.

Ephrata Coach Mike Garman emphasized some goals for the year were to finish at.500 or better, and after the win they stand at 2-1 so they off to a good start.

Ephrata graduated its two captains (Emily Epler & Macy Smith) from a year ago, but carry four seniors on this year’s squad,so they have a decent amount of depth.

Coach Garman stated there are still some areas in which the team can get better.

"Doubles… the hardest thing in doubles is to anticipate what you’re going to do with the shot. When the ball comes to you, where are you going to put it? In doubles there’ s a lot of green area…so many times we’ll have a great volley and hit it right back to them. We are still working on doubles combinations. Brittany (Smith) and Cassandra (Enck) are my best doubles team, but depending who we play, I may split them up. It all depends on the opponent. Another goal is to show respect to the opponent," Garman said.

Garman also stated how the Ephrata program has become competitive in the league, winning nine matches in each of the last two seasons.

"The kids have taken pride in wanting to do well," he said.

Last Wednesday, Ephrata’s Enck and Abby Smith earned an 8-5 victory at number two doubles to clinch a 4-3 victory over Garden Spot. Brittany Smith, Enck and Abby Smith also claimed singles wins for the Lady Mounts.

Ephrata returns to action Wednesday afternoon when the Lady Mounts travel to Penn Manor.

Cocalico, meanwhile, improved to 5-0 on the season last Thursday with a 7-0 shutout over Lancaster Mennonite.

Alli Witmer, Natalie Sukanick, Courtney Murphy and Ali Stafford all won straight set matches in singles play to clinch the team win.

In doubles’ action, the Cocalico teams of Witmer/Sukanick, Stafford/Murphy, and Jill Eiding/Caitlin Cooper all were victorious to close out the sweep.

Cocalico was scheduled to host Annville-Cleona Tuesday afternoon but that match was postponed until Wednesday at 4 p.m.