Atkins falls, but several locals continue on

COSTA MESA ? Newport Beach resident Michelle Atkins hadn’t played in a match prior to Wednesday’s girls’ 18 singles quarterfinal at the Costa Mesa Summer Junior Classic.

After receiving a bye in the round of 32 and a forfeit win in the round of 16, Atkins wasn’t quite in sync during a 6-4, 6-1 loss to Amanda Ellis of Beverly Hills at the Costa Mesa Tennis Center.

But the soon-to-be Corona del Mar High senior was quick to give credit to Ellis, who was the aggressor for most of the match.

“She was very good at putting me on the defensive, making me run around,” Atkins said. “I thought I was playing a little bit tentatively out there, but she had a lot of good shots.”

Atkins broke Ellis’ serve to go up, 4-3, in the first set, but then lost three consecutive games to drop the set.

In the second set, Atkins got a service break to take the early lead, but Ellis then ran off six consecutive games with a solid volley game and powerful forehands.

Ellis routinely ran around hitting backhands, but it didn’t matter. After running her opponent around the court, she often mixed in drop shots to keep Atkins off-balance.

It was the second straight Corona del Mar High opponent Ellis had beaten, following Tuesday’s win over Kelly McKitterick.

“I talked to Kelly today, but I didn’t really think about that during the match,” Atkins said. “I just didn’t play my best to run down some of her awesome shots. Hopefully, next time I make it to the quarters, I get more practice in.”