Post-publication updates:
Lynnfield (5), Triton (0) – May 16, 2025
Lynnfield (5), North Reading (0) – May 15, 2025
Lynnfield (5), Pentucket (0) – May 14, 2025
Lynnfield (3), Manchester-Essex (2) – May 13, 2025
Lynnfield (5), Amesbury High School (0) – May 12, 2025
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The girls’ tennis team compiled a 2-1 record last week.
Lynnfield (9-1) defeated Newburyport 5-0 on May 1.
Senior captain Paige Martino defeated her first singles opponent in two sets, 6-4, 6-2.
“Paige got off to a slow start down being down 1-4 in the first set as her opponent, Parker Bradshaw, could not miss,” said Pioneers head coach Craig Stone. “Paige, however, would not be rattled and rallied back to win 6-4. She then led all the way to win the second set 6-1.”
Captain Lily Alves dismantled her second singles counterpart in straight sets, 6-4, 6-1.
“Lily also started slow by dropping the first two games, but she drew even at 4-4 and then won the last two games to win the set,” said Stone. “She continued that momentum into the second set for the win.”
Freshman Kami Khiat won her third singles match in three sets. After losing the first set 4-6, Khiat won the second set 6-3 and prevailed 10-6 during the third set tiebreaker.
“Kami had the longest match of the day,” said Stone. “Both players battled back-and-forth, playing even throughout the first set until Newburyport prevailed. Kami got a jump start in the second set, which again featured long rallies, passing shots and key volleys. With the team match already decided, the players played a 10-point tiebreaker in lieu of a third set. Kami was down 2-4 in the tiebreaker, but she drew even at 6-6 and then won the last four points with all her teammates watching in support.”
Senior captain Ella Hayman and junior Vicky McCrann won their first doubles match in two sets, 6-2, 6-4.
“Ella and Vicky controlled the first set 6-2, dominating all aspects of doubles play,” said Stone. “Newburyport made some position adjustments in the second set, but Lynnfield stayed aggressive and, up 5-4 in the second, clinched the match on their fourth match point.”
Freshmen Kathleen Brown and Christie Choi prevailed 6-3, 6-3 during second doubles.
“Kathleen and Christine have continued to show remarkable poise and consistency this season, and led during both sets for the win,” said Stone.
Stone said the Pioneers played very well against a good Newburyport team.
“Newburyport were the Division 3 state champs in 2023 and were semifinalists last year,” said Stone. “Newburyport were also the Cape Ann League champions for the last three years. We had not beaten them since 2019.”
Defeats Triton
The Pioneers defeated Triton 5-0 on April 30.
Alves got the start at first singles and won her match in straight sets, 6-0, 6-1.
“Paige had the day off and Lily moved up to first singles,” said Stone. “She dominated once again by dictating pace and play.”
McCrann won her second singles match in two sets, 7-5, 7-1.
“Vicky moved from first doubles to second singles,” said Stone. “She was down 4-5 in the first set before she rallied to win 7-5. She then found her grove and led all the way in the second set.”
Brown won her third singles match in three sets. After losing the first set 4-6, Brown secured a 6-1 victory during the second set. She prevailed 11-9 in the tiebreaker.
“Kathleen, who has previously played doubles, made her singles debut at third singles,” said Stone. “She lost a tightly played first set, but bounced back in the second set. With the team match already decided, they played a 10-point tiebreaker to decide the winner. Down 2-4 and then 4-6, Kathleen battled back to tie the set 9-9 before winning the deciding last two points.”
Hayman and sophomore Emma Wagon won their first doubles match in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0.
“Emma and Ella teamed up for the first time this season and ran off 12 games in a row by combining steady groundstrokes and volleys to control play,” said Stone.
Junior Charlotte Beccia and sophomore Charlotte Rose won their first varsity matches after earning a decisive victory during second doubles, prevailing 6-2, 6-1.
“Charlotte Rose and Charlotte Beccia saw their first career varsity action, and were in command from start to finish,” said Stone.
Stone commended the Pioneers’ performance on the court against the Vikings.
“Lynnfield showcased their lineup flexibility and depth,” said Stone. “We are fortunate, with our level of play and number of players, to challenge them by having them play different positions and with different partners, and still getting a favorable outcome.”
Conquered by Generals
Lynnfield fell 3-2 to three-time Division 4 state champion Hamilton-Wenham on April 28.
Martino lost her first singles match in two sets, 1-6, 0-6.
Alves dismantled her second singles counterpart in straight sets, 6-0, 6-1.
“Lily rolled by winning 12 out of 13 games,” said Stone. “She was constantly in control of the match from start to finish.”
Junior Fiona Asaad got the start at third singles, but lost the match in two sets, 6-7, 1-6.
Hayman and McCrann earned a hard-fought first doubles win. After losing the first set 4-6, Hayman and McCrann bounced back to win the second set 6-1 and prevailed 6-3 during the third set.
“Ella and Vicky got off to a slow start facing a lefty and righty team, but gained their composure after dropping the first set,” said Stone. “Ella and Vicky played more consistently together from the ground and at the net.”
Wagon and junior Nandana Nishanth lost their second doubles match in two sets, 5-7, 2-6.
Stone recalled that the Generals defeated the Pioneers 5-0 in the 2024 Division 4 state finals.
“It was a rematch of the 2024 Division 4 state championship that Hamilton-Wenham won 5-0,” said Stone. “Hamilton-Wenham still won the rematch, but the individual matches were much closer. It is always interesting returning from vacation break and jumping back into competitive play. We did not get the ‘W,’ but we will certainly be motivated for the rematch at tournament time.”