Sidelines

KUDOS
+ ODA Girls Tennis
The Out-of-Door Academy’s Maria Ross and Mary Ann Rompf both captured tennis state titles at the FHSAA Class 1A championship.

Ross, who was the No. 1 seed in the individual state tournament, defeated Westminster Academy’s Courtney Meredith 6-2, 6-3 to win the individual singles title April 17, becoming the first ODA tennis player since Caroline Dailey to win a singles state title.

Ross then teamed up with Rompf to win the doubles state championship. Ross and Rompf, who were the No. 1 seed, defeated Oxbridge Academy’s Rachel Bercovitch and Sophia Chavarria 6-2, 6-1.

As the individual state champions, Ross and Rompf advanced to play for the overall state championship April 18.

Ross defeated Ransom Everglades’ Allegra Hanlon 3-6, 6-1, 10-7 to win the overall singles title. She and Rompf then defeated Hanlon and Daniela Lopez 6-3, 3-6, 10-8 to win the overall doubles title.

+ Lady Thunder lacrosse wins the district crown
The Out-of-Door Academy girls lacrosse team defeated St. Stephen’s 10-5 to win the District 16 championship April 17.

Lexi Myers scored three goals to lead the way for the Lady Thunder. Kimmy Comito added two goals and three assists. Tess Siciliano had two goals. Taylor Albano had two goals and two assists. Adelaide Mahler added a goal. Abby Banner recorded 11 saves.

+ Suncoast Tennis League wraps up season
More than 320 players from the Suncoast Tennis League attended an awards luncheon April 9, at the Meadows Country Club, to wrap up the 2013-14 season.

Guests enjoyed professional clinics followed by an awards ceremony for the champions and finalists in the 16 divisions, ranging in ages from 50 to 80.

Champions and finalists include:
• 50-1 Payne Park Cardinal (champions), El Con Crimson (finalists)
• 60-1 Payne Park Blue (champions), El Con Red (finalists)
• 70-1 Payne Park White (champions), Jacaranda White (finalists)
• 75-1 Longboat Pub. Maroon (champions), Payne Park Maroon (finalists)
• 80-1 Jacaranda Platinum (champions), Longboat Pub. Platinum (finalists)

The Suncoast Tennis League comprises more than 1,600 senior men from 30 clubs across Manatee and Sarasota counties.

+ Sarasota women win tennis championship
The Serendipity Racquet Club went 4-1 to win the women 7.0 division of the 2014 USTA Florida 65 and Over League Sectionals April 11 through April 13, at the Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach.

Serendipity went 4-1, finishing ahead of Indian River County, The Boulevard Tennis Club and Vero Beach to win the title.

Championship players include: Julie Harris (captain), Elizabeth Dale, Karen Ingrando, Anna Losey, Beverly Bollman, Lorraine Lynn, Nancy Sneed, Suzanne Brosnan, Helga Williamson, Jill Bressler, Carol Larocca, Marilyn Snodell and Linda Long.

+ Sara Bay to offer summer membership
Sara Bay Country Club will offer a summer membership from May through October.

Cost is $100 per month plus tax and includes unlimited and unrestricted golf privileges. Cart fees are $13 for nine holes and $24 for 18 holes, or players can walk for $7 for nine holes or $12 for 18 holes.

Monthly dues must be paid in advance. Summer members have full access to all club facilities and charging privileges for food, beverage and pro shop purchases. Visit sarabaycc.org.

GAME TO WATCH
Softball
April 24
Riverview vs. Valrico Bloomingdale (regional quarterfinal,
7 p.m.)

STANDOUT PLAYER
Madison Shaw
Track and Field
The Out-of-Door Academy

8 - The place Shaw finished in the finals of the 100-meter hurdles at last year’s state championships.

2 - The number of events Shaw will compete in at the Class 1A track and field finals May 2, in Jacksonville, after finishing in the top four at the Class 1A-Region 3 meet April 17.

400 - The combined distance of Shaw’s two hurdling events.