Post publication updates:
Melrose defeats Watertown 3-2 (May 19)
Melrose defeats Stoneham 3-2 on Senior Day (May 15)
Melrose falls to Arlington 5-0 (May 13)
Melrose falls to Wilmington 4-1 (May 14)
Published May 16, 2025
Tennis girls eye strong end to secure a post season
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—As their regular season begins to wind down, the Melrose High girls’ tennis team picked up two wins last week that keep them within contention of a playoff appearance in the MIAA Div. 2 fold, and with regular season matches wrapping up next week, every match counts, including their upcoming Senior Day celebration when they battle Stoneham this Thursday (post deadline.)
Melrose (4-8) is currently Power Ranked #32 among 33 teams poised to qualify for a playoff spot. Should they keep their momentum as they finish their Freedom League schedule, they could pull off an impressive feat.
Earning back-to-back wins over Woburn and Wakefield was a great start to the week. Reports Melrose head coach Lydia Mays. “We have been putting players in different spots to help them feel ready for next year and to give people some rest days.”
Melrose nearly swept the Woburn Tanners on May 7 when they traveled to Woburn and battled to a 4-1 victory.
Among those who prevailed was Mary Atkinson in second singles, who won 6-1, 6-1 in a very fast match. Melrose also prevailed in third singles behind the work of Tess Isakson, and both of their doubles teams won, only this time they relied on freshman doubles pair Jane Teittinen and Charlotte Lange, who won in straight sets. Notes coach Mays, “It was exciting to beat a ML large school because it propelled us to play better in the next two matches.”
Melrose’s 3-2 edge over Wakefield was even more gripping. They beat them, 3-2, playing indoors at The Woburn Racquet Club just two days later due to rain. Melrose prevailed in 2nd and 3rd singles behind the work of Mary Atkinson and Tess Isakson, and 2nd doubles team of Lexi Miller and Meryl Stratford
This week they fell to an always-strong Burlington team, 2-3. Says coach Mays, “It was a very close match that we could have won. After losing 1-4 last time to them I was incredibly proud of the effort and determination I saw on the court. Everyone had closer matches this time. After Mary went down one set she found a way to win it in 3.”
Melrose has a busy week as they close out their second round of Freedom League play, and they will travel to Watertown on Monday for a 4:15 p.m. match.