Post publication update:
Lynnfield advances to Final Four defeating Nantucket 5-0 (June 8)
St. John’s Preparatory High School, Danvers
Published June 4, 2025
Girls’ tennis advances to Elite Eight
Martino breaks record with 71st career win
By DAN TOMASELLO
SENIOR CAPTAIN Paige Martino and girls’ tennis head coach Craig Stone celebrate after Martino earned her 71st career win on May 28, which is the most in LHS girls’ tennis history. Martino won her first singles match in straight sets and the Pioneers defeated Uxbridge 5-0 during the Division 4 state tournament’s Round of 32. (Jamie Hayman Photo)
LYNNFIELD — The number one seeded girls’ tennis team is headed to the Elite Eight once again after the Pioneers opened the Division 4 state tournament with two decisive victories last week.
Lynnfield began the state tournament by defeating Uxbridge 5-0 in the Round of 32 on May 28.
Senior captain Paige Martino shutout her first singles opponent in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0. Martino’s victory was historic as she set a new record with 71 career wins, which is the most in LHS girls’ tennis history. She set the record while exclusively playing first singles over the course of her four-year career.
“With Paige’s 6-0, 6-0 win, she becomes Lynnfield’s career match record holder with 71 wins,” said Pioneers head coach Craig Stone. “Tori Spence Dowling had the previous record with 70 set in 2000. Breaking a team record that has stood for 25 years is quite an achievement, and to do it while playing number one singles for all four years makes it even more remarkable! And during all that time, Paige has always put the achievements of the team, and the concern for her teammates, above any recognition for herself!”
Martino said in a statement emailed to the Villager that she was “extremely excited about breaking the 25-year-long school record for most singles wins in girls’ tennis.”
“I feel that this is an honor that reflects my resilience and love I have for this sport,” said Martino. “I am so grateful for the support of Coach Stone, my teammates and my family as, without them, this achievement would not be possible. I’m looking forward to the rest of my final season as our team has found great success in the regular season and playoffs thus far.”
Captain Lily Alves won her second singles match in two sets, 6-0, 6-0.
Freshman Kami Khiat dismantled her third singles counterpart in consecutive sets, 6-0, 6-0.
“Paige, Lily and Kami dominated play by winning all 12 games,” said Stone.
Senior captain Ella Hayman and junior Vicky McCrann won their first doubles match in two sets, 6-2, 6-1.
Sophomore Emma Wagon and junior Victoria Clancy earned a hard-fought victory during second doubles, 6-4, 6-1.
“Both doubles teams also won in convincing fashion,” said Stone. “Although second doubles had a little difficulty getting going, they eventually found their rhythm.”
Stone said the Pioneers played very well against Uxbridge.
“Beginning state tournament play always adds additional excitement and energy knowing that you need to win to go on, and nobody wants the season to end,” said Stone.
Dismantles Bourne
The Pioneers kept rolling and defeated Bourne 4-0 in the Round of 16 on May 30.
“The 1 p.m. match turned into a 2 p.m. match as rain began just as the match was about to start,” said Stone. “Fortunately, the DPW, parents and players jumped onto the courts with blowers and roll dries so play could continue.”
Martino dispatched her first singles counterpart in two sets, 6-0, 6-0.
Alves easily won her second singles match in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0.
Khiat cruised past her third singles opponent in consecutive sets, 6-1, 6-0.
“Paige, Lily and Kami again rolled by controlling all aspects of play, showcasing strokes with depth, direction and pace,” said Stone.
Hayman and McCrann were unable to finish their first doubles match due to rain. After Hayman and McCrann won the first set 6-3, the tandem led the second set 4-2 when it was suspended.
“Ella and Vicky had the best match of the day,” said Stone. “Both teams battled from the baseline and net with accuracy and efficiency. Lynnfield gained momentum halfway through to win the first set. The second set looked to be a duplicate and then the rain came for a second time that suspended play.”
Freshmen Kathleen Brown and Christine Choi made their Division 4 state tournament debut at second doubles. Brown and Choi won the match convincingly 6-0, 6-0.
“Kathleen and Christine played like experienced upperclassmen by exhibiting great shot selection and strategy,” said Stone.
Stone said the Pioneers will be playing either eighth seed Nantucket or ninth seed Advanced Math and Science Academy this week. Nantucket and Advanced Math and Science Academy face off on Wednesday, June 4, beginning at 4 p.m. To view the brackets, visit miaa.net.