WATERVILLE — Making the Class B state championship tennis match last year was a learning experience for the Waterville Senior High School girls tennis team. The Panthers had just one senior, and had three freshmen playing singles.

Like last year, the Panthers will be big underdogs in the state match, because like last year, they’ll face Falmouth. The Yachtsmen (15-0) are playing for their fifth consecutive state championship, and haven’t lost a set this season.

Waterville is in the state championship for the fifth time in seven years. The match will begin at 10 a.m. at Colby College’s Alfond-Wales Tennis Courts.

In the Class B boys match, also at 10 a.m., Ellsworth will take on Falmouth. The Class A matches at 1 p.m. will be Brunswick vs. McAuley on the girls side, and Bangor vs. Gorham in the boys match. The day ends with the Class C championships at 4 p.m., George Stevens Academy vs. Waynflete (boys) and Waynflete vs. George Stevens (girls).

“We know Falmouth is going to be a tough team, but we’re more prepared knowing what we’re getting into, especially for the singles players,” Waterville No. 1 singles player, Colleen O’Donnell said after the Panthers beat Caribou in the East regional final.

Waterville’s No. 2 singles player, Olivia Lopes, faced Falmouth’s Annie Criscione in the state singles tournament, but will face Analise Kump, Falmouth’s No. 2 singles player. Kump beat Lopes in the state championship match last year.

Not much separates Criscione, Kump and Falmouth’s No. 3 player, Olivia Leavitt. All were seeded in the top five of the state singles tournament. All three reached the semifinals, with Criscione falling to Brunswick’s Maisie Silverman in the finals.

Criscione will face O’Donnell in the No. 1 singles match. The eight seed in the singles tournament, O’Donnell reached the quarterfinals before losing to Silverman. O’Donnell and Criscione had a close match in the state championship last year, with Criscione taking a 6-3, 6-4 victory.

The No. 3 singles will feature Waterville’s Jayme Saulter against Leavitt.

In doubles, Falmouth’s No. 1 team of Abby Payson and Steffi Rothwelier will likely face the Waterville team of Lauren Hallenbeck and Emily Dufour. In No. 2 doubles, Waterville’s Brittany Saucier and Melanie Bureau will face Katie Ryan and Marlena Lantos.

Travis Lazarczyk — 861-9242

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