Published in the May 9, 2018 edition
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The girls’ tennis team went undefeated last week, improving the Pioneers’ overall record this season to 7-1.
The Pioneers began last week defeating Amesbury 4-1 on May 2. The match featured temperatures that were close to 90 degrees.
Freshman Megan Nevils won her first singles match in two sets, 7-6, 6-4.
Captain Alexa Vittiglio earned a hard fought two-set victory during second singles, prevailing 7-5, 6-3.
“Nevils and Vittiglio were able to prevail in straight sets, but it was closely played matches throughout,” said Pioneers head coach Craig Stone.
Senior Bela Ferreira won her third singles match in three sets. After losing the first set 4-6, Ferreira prevailed 6-1 in the second set and secured a 10-7 super tiebreaker victory during the third set.
“Ferreira got off to a slow start dropping the first set, but controlled the second from beginning to end,” said Stone. “Ferreira prevailed in her super tiebreaker.”
The first doubles duo of sophomore Gillian Skelley and freshman Emma Gallucci won their match in two sets, 6-4, 6-1.
“First doubles started slow, down 3-1 in the first set, then rallied to win nine out of the next 11 games,” said Stone. “First doubles have become a very formidable team. They minimize their unforced errors, and continually put pressure on their opponents. They open up the court with cross court and down the line groundstrokes, and aggressive net play.”
Sophomores Celeste Joly and Clare Yang lost their second doubles match in three sets. After winning the first set 7-6, Joly and Yang lost sets two and three 3-6 and 3-10 respectively.
Stone commended the Pioneers for playing well against an improved Amesbury team.
“It seems there is no more spring in Massachusetts, as we dove right into summer,” said Stone. “However, the girls were able to battle the heat and their opponents to come up with a well-earned victory. Being able to adjust to playing conditions and the different styles of opponents is a very important part of being successful on the court. These are all lessons our young team must endure in order to achieve future success.”
Defeats Rockport
The Pioneers kept rolling and defeated Rockport 4-1 on May 3.
“We arrived in the rain, and one-and-a-half hours later, after drying the courts, we played,” said Stone. “However, due to the missed time and possible returning showers, we played an abbreviated match with the sets being played to four games instead of six, and a tiebreaker if they split sets.”
Nevils earned a hard fought three-set victory during first singles. After losing the first set 1-4, Nevils won the second set 4-1 and prevailed 7-0 during the third set.
“Megan got off to a slow start, but rebounded into form and played the style of tennis she is capable of,” said Stone. “She dominated the second set as well as the tiebreaker.”
Ferreira won her second singles match in two sets, 4-2, 5-3.
“Bela was bumped up to second singles and was up to the challenge,” said Stone. “She is rapidly becoming one of the best retrievers in the game, prolonging every point to her opponent’s frustration or lack of condition.”
Skelley started at third singles for the first time and won the match in straight sets, 4-1, 4-1.
“Gillian made her singles debut and proved that a doubles player can play singles,” said Stone. “She minimizes her errors while playing consistent tennis from the baseline and volleying with precision.”
Joly and sophomore Elena Moisidis won their first doubles match in straight sets, 4-0, 4-1. The match was Moisidis’ varsity debut.
“The newly formed duo led all the way,” said Stone.
Senior captain Christina Albano and junior Nina Dunn lost their second singles match in two sets, 4-5, 1-4.
Stone was pleased with Lynnfield’s performance against Rockport.
“Our team showed its depth and balance, playing without three starters and still coming away with a win,” said Stone. “Unfortunately, only seven of our 14 varsity players can play in a match. It is truly an unselfish gesture on their part to sit out and let a fellow teammate get some playing experience. I believe that’s what the TEAM (Together Each Achieves More) experience is all about.”
Defeats Ipswich
The Pioneers defeated Ipswich 5-0 on May 7.
Vittiglio started at first singles and won her match in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0.
“We bumped Vittiglio up to first singles, and she ran the table winning 12 games in a row,” said Stone.
Gallucci earned an impressive victory in second singles, prevailing 6-0, 6-1.
“Emma earned a convincing win,” said Stone.
Joly came out on top of her third singles match in two sets, 6-0, 7-5.
“Celeste, a sophomore, makes her varsity debut at singles and snatches another win,” said Stone.
The first doubles tandem of senior captain Makayla Maffeo and Yang earned a hard fought two-set victory, prevailing 6-2, 6-3.
“Maffeo and Yang had the best match of the day with a number of adds and deuces, but prevailed in straight sets,” said Stone.
Juniors Grace Sokop and Emma Rocco earned their first varsity victory during second doubles. Sokop and Rocco won their match 6-0, 6-2.
“Sokop and Rocco made their varsity debut with a convincing win,” said Stone.
Stone was pleased the Pioneers were able to declaw the Tigers.
“We continued to rotate in some other varsity players, challenged others by moving them up in the lineup and had a very satisfying win today,” said Stone. “We have a tough week ahead with four team matches, and the individual tournament this weekend. But it’s challenges like those that build confidence and character.”