MATTAPOISETT — The Old Rochester Regional High School girls tennis team defeated Canton High School on Thursday, June 6 to advance to the semifinals of the Massachusetts south sectional tournament.

Despite rain showers earlier in the day, the weather was warm and sunny in time for the two teams, both named the “Bulldogs” to begin playing at 2:30 p.m.

Coach Bob Hohne said his goal for the season is to prove that his team belongs in Division 2 of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association. This is only the second year since moving up in competition from Division 3. ORR lost to Notre Dame Academy in the first round of last year’s tournament.

“When you make it to this point in the state tournament there are no losers,” said Hohne of his team’s progress.

 With a win of four matches to one in the quarter finals, Old Rochester improved their season record to 20-0.

Graduated senior Delaney Pothier persevered through a shoulder injury in the first singles match. Although she was not able to get the win, her coach said he was appreciative of her ability to play through the pain.

Despite two strong sets of doubles players, Old Rochester Regional girls tennis lost to Martha’s Vineyard,  ending the season in the Massachusetts south sectional tournament semifinals

Charlotte Cole and Kinsley Dickerson managed to hold off the reigning champions for one match in a Monday matchup, but their team lost to last year’s champions. The two juniors played Alexandra Rego and Karinne Nivna on June 10.

Coach Bob Hohne said that Martha’s Vineyard was “more powerful and polished in singles” than Old Rochester was.

He noted that his doubles team had strong records this year, with the first doubles team at 18-1 and his second doubles at 20-1.

“All year we’ve counted on our doubles players,” Hohne said. This time, they needed equally strong singles players to push past the champs.