Chiefs' Mera rebounds

By KEITH NIEBUHR
Published April 27, 2005

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS - After surviving a three-set duel early Tuesday, Chamberlain freshman Jamie Mera entered her afternoon match at the Class 3A tournament full of confidence. But within minutes she inexplicably, and rather quickly, dropped the opening set.

"I thought I was going home," Mera said.

Instead, she sent her opponent packing.

In a somewhat remarkable turn of events, Mera rallied to defeat Melisa Esposito of Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer 1-6, 6-1, 6-1 to win the individual singles draw and reach today's No. 1 singles final. She plays Lauren Sabacinski of Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas this morning for the right to join a prestigious list of Florida state champions that includes, among others, legend Chris Evert.

"I was tired, but I just tried to step it up and play like I had nothing to lose," Mera said. "I fought so hard (in the opening match) that I didn't want to just give up in this round."

Mera reversed her fortunes by playing a smart game. In the opening set, Esposito, who had a serve Mera called the best she has faced this season, controlled the tempo. But once Mera adjusted, she began to dictate play. By the third set, she had a visibly frustrated Esposito on the run. On match point, Mera fired a forehand that her diving opponent failed to get.

Sabacinski will be a worthy foe. She's 22-0.

Winning is "possible," Mera said. "If I'm on, hopefully she'll feel the pressure."

Mera's opening match against Wharton standout Brooke Allen also was tough. Allen's somewhat deliberate style tested the patience of the hard-hitting Mera before she finally gutted out a 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 win. It was just Allen's second loss.

"I played Jamie before and I tried to play her game (in the past)," Allen said. "But there's no beating her at it. You really have to mix it up. Jamie's a good player. She adjusted to the game and I made a few stupid little errors that set me back."

In doubles, Allen and Eva Sambrano were defeated in the semifinals as was the team of Megan Broderick and Fernanda Ospina of Alonso, which placed sixth in the team standings. Broderick and Ospina lost to St. Thomas' undefeated team of Sabacinski and Jennifer Saviano 6-3, 2-6, 7-5.

[Last modified April 27, 2005, 00:48:18]