THE MELROSE High boy’s tennis team is 4-1 after big wins over rival Reading and Wakefield. (photo: Megan Casey, Chloe Gentile)
4-1 Melrose is a current league favorite
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—Earlier this season, Melrose High boy’s tennis coach Sam Stallings indicated that one goal for Melrose this season was to earn a rare win over rivals to the north, Wakefield.
It was mission accomplished on April 12 at home at the Lyons Court in Melrose when the boy’s varsity team topped the Warriors 3-2 in a classic. With the win, Melrose improves to 4-1 on the season with more Freedom League action on tap this week.
This comes on the heels of their near-historic win over Reading on April 5 and a sweep on Watertown on April 10.
“Wakefield is another team (like Reading) that we hadn’t beaten in the past two seasons that I’ve been coaching for Melrose, so we were certainly happy to get over the hump against them,” says coach Stallings. “They’re not as strong as they’ve been in prior years, but we knew they’d still fight hard.”
He pointed out that Wakefield’s lineup, particularly in first singles, was tough. “Their 1st singles player, Luke Greif, is probably the best in the freedom league, so that always will help a team that’s got some new and less-experienced players.”
Greif was up against Melrose freshman Dan Teittinen.
“He was a tough match-up for Daniel, whose been solid for us at 1st singles,” says Stallings. “I think he’s looking forward to a second shot at Luke later in the season.”
School vacation travel affected varsity starters, which allowed Melrose to get creative with their lineup. Junior varsity players Joseph Brady and Gautik Singh, both sophomores, represented second doubles. While they didn’t prevail against Wakefield, they were coming off a nice win over Watertown. “Getting their first win earlier in the week at the varsity level was nothing to sneeze at,” says the coach.
Melrose would prevail in 2nd singles, 3rd singles, and 1st doubles to clinch the 3-2 victory over Wakefield. Melrose senior captain Sean Donovan won at 2nd singles by a score of 6-4, 6-3 and junior captain Caleb Miller won at 3rd singles by a score of 6-0, 6-2. Finally, team of (sr. capt) Dan O’Donnell and Nathan Chow won at 1st doubles by a score of 7-5, 6-3.
“Sean’s win was clutch for us because he had a scrappy opponent that gave him trouble in both sets,” said the coach. “But he found a way to win regardless, which is all that matters.”
At 4-1 overall, Melrose is heading into a big match with Wilmington after break. “Wilmington is a team that’s just dominated us in the past (they beat us 5-0 in both matches last year), as they’re experienced, poised, and well-coached,” says Stallings. “We’ll be looking to perform to our standard at all five spots and let the chips fall where they may…I think our guys are ready. This will be a litmus test for us.”
Melrose will face a scrappy Stoneham next week (and the always talented Winchester). According to Stallings, they’re looking to stay above .500 over the week. “I’m happy with how everyone’s playing at the varsity level. Caleb Miller and Dan O’Donnell are both undefeated thus far on the season. Overall, we’re doing a good job of not overlooking our opponents and taking things one match at a time.”
Come watch Melrose’s big match against Wilmington on Monday, April 24 at Lyons Court in Melrose.