The Mathews High School tennis team shut out the visiting Essex Trojans on Monday, 9-0, to improve its record to 9-1.

At number one, Morgan Sears pulled off a tough win of 8-6 over a strong serving Laura Webb. Playing number two, Jamie Ramsey defeated Kierra Gray, 8-3. Third seed Kasey Lynn Lyerly out-battled a consistent Karisa Vessels for the win of 8-6. At number four, Mallory Hurst won, 8-3, against Charlene Jackson. Mercedes Wells stepped played tough to defeat Randi Crabble, 8-3. Lamar Saunders completed the sweep in singles play with an 8-5 win over Alice Birchett.

In doubles, Amy Collins, returning after surgery, teamed up with Rachel Byrd to easily defeat Webb and Gray, 8-2. At second-seed doubles, Carlyn Tillage and Leanne Moughon defeated Vessels and Jackson, 8-6. The third-seed team of Kate van Emmerik and Elizabeth Ransone picked up a big 8-1 win over Jasmine Gaines and Colleen Wilson.

The Lady Blue Devils have a busy week ahead, with games against Rappahannock, Mi...