Belfast's Jolliffe makes noise, turns heads at state singles

Belfast Area High School’s Eli Jolliffe made his presence felt at the Maine Principals’ Association state singles tennis tournament Friday through Monday, May 25-28, as the steady sophomore put a notch in the win column as one of the 48 players who remained, at that time, and who vied for the coveted state crown.

But, by tourney’s end, only one player could be crowned champion, a distinction that went to Falmouth’s Nick Forester, who beat teammate Alex Klemperer, 6-4, 6-1, to win the state title.

Jolliffe, who defeated Jinyi Wei of John Bapst and Tai Boss of Orono to advance to the state tourney, bested Micah Charette of Maranacook, 6-3, 6-1, while Jolliffe was downed by Quinn Clarke of Portland, 1-6, 3-6, and was eliminated from the tournament.

Despite the loss, Lion coach Scott Benzie said Jolliffe "as a sophomore, learned a lot about this level of competition."

"[He learned] mostly how to play against stronger, more athletic opponents," said Benzie. "Looking forward to the rest of this season and the following two years. He turned a lot of heads. Now everyone knows who he is."

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