On Saturday Sept. 5, Boothbay Special Olympics tennis players traveled to Bates College in Lewiston for the State Level Tennis Skills and Leveled Competition events.

Travis Paine, a former Boothbay athlete, was competing in the six tennis skills: forehand and backhand volley, forehand and backhand groundstroke, serve and alternating groundstroke. He was thrilled to bring home a third place for his skills. He was thrilled to see his former teammate and friend again, Ronda LeConte.

When the Boothbay athletes arrived they were wondering why their division 5 had seven or so less players. They found out several were now playing doubles this season.

Ronda LeConte began playing five sets with Andre Tourgee from New Hampshire. He’s won division 5 several times and last year he won that competition with Ronda.

Next Valerie Giles played teammate Ronda and she won that set as well. Now, Valerie needed to play against Jaron Baude. He won that set. Just when things were getting exciting, pouring rain delayed the event. We changed courts to inside. Finally the competition we all waited for. Andre and Jaron played the last set and by a huge upset Jaron did it. He beat Andre! He was at his best and won division 5. The whole division was so happy. Great sporting for all.

Congratulations to Valerie Giles and Ronda LeConte.