Waynflete boys, Maranacook girls tennis claim Class C titles
Waynflete and Maranacook Claim Class C Tennis Titles at Bates College
LEWISTON — In a double dose of championship tennis on Wednesday, the Waynflete boys and Maranacook girls secured state titles at the Class C team championships held at Bates College, each writing their own narratives of redemption and dominance.
The Waynflete Flyers, aiming to reclaim their perch after a rare loss last year, edged out Maine Central Institute 3-2 to capture their 21st state championship. The Maranacook Black Bears, meanwhile, defended their crown with a 4-1 victory over Orono, securing back-to-back titles for the first time in program history.
For Waynflete, the victory was a testament to resilience. The Flyers had won 16 consecutive Class C boys titles before falling to Orono in 2025, a defeat that stung deeply. This year, they regrouped, focusing on process over pressure. “We didn’t put a lot of emphasis on the streak,” said senior captain Jules Kirby, who clinched the title with his doubles partner Silas Wellenius. “Our coach didn’t really want to put the pressure on us. Honestly, the streak, it’s nice to talk about it, but really we just want to play good matches, win good games, have good sportsmanship. It’s less about the number and the streak.”
The decisive moment came in first doubles, where Wellenius and Kirby defeated Martin Herrando and Jacobe Leo 6-3, 6-3. Silas Wellenius reflected on the journey: “We put in tens of thousands of reps all winter long, thousands more during the season. I mean, we were devastated to finish second last year, and we just got right back to work, and now we can feel the payoffs. But, really, it’s the full year of hard work. It’s not just today.”
Waynflete’s other points came from the No. 2 doubles team of Otis Wellenius and Griffen Hissong, who won 6-1, 6-0, and No. 3 singles player Noah Stern-Rich, who triumphed 6-0, 6-0. MCI took the remaining matches, with Francesco Tumsich winning No. 1 singles 6-1, 6-0, and Harry Holmstrom taking No. 2 singles 6-1, 6-4. Coach Peter Hart credited a strategic approach: “A lot of our players are very close in skill level, and so we’re a little weaker on the top end and we’re stronger on the bottom end, so we thought if we could win from the bottom up, as they call it, win the doubles and the third singles, that would be a good formula. And that’s exactly how it worked.”
On the girls’ side, Maranacook’s undefeated season (16-0) culminated in a convincing win. The Black Bears clinched early by winning the first three matches, showcasing depth and focus. “Our coach told us, ‘Just take it like any other match, stay really focused, calm yourself down, one point at a time,’” said junior Katie Payne, whose advice helped the team stay composed. “That really helped us.”
Eva Morrill and Payne opened with a 6-4, 6-1 doubles win, followed by Lydia Garofalo’s 6-0, 7-5 victory in No. 1 singles over Calie Soderberg. Julia Thaller and Leah Hildebrandt added straight-set wins in singles to seal the deal. Orono’s lone point came from Isabelle Ireland and Brylee McCollette in doubles. Garofalo, a sophomore, expressed her excitement: “I’m pretty hyped about it,” she said, crediting her serve for the win. Now with two titles in two years, she added, “It’s a two-peat, and I love it.”
Junior captain Eva Morrill summed up the team’s pride: “I’m so beyond proud of this team, and hopefully we can do it again next year.” Maranacook’s victory marked their fourth state title overall, with three coming in the last four seasons, solidifying their status as a powerhouse.
Both teams demonstrated the spirit of Maine high school sports—where dedication, teamwork, and a touch of history define the journey to the podium.
