Published in the June 15, 2017 edition
By DAN NUNN
NORTH READING — The Austin Prep Cougars avenged their regular season loss to the Hornets with a 3-2 victory over North Reading in the Division 3 North semifinals on June 6.
With the loss, the Hornets finished the season at 12-6 overall. The Cougars were subsequently swept by the Lynnfield Pioneers in the Division 3 North championship round 5-0.
Budny wins thriller
At second singles senior captain Aly Budny won a three-set thriller 4-6, 6-1, 6-2.
Junior Meghan Griffin won easily in straight sets at third singles 6-1, 6-0. At first singles senior captain Marissa Galuppo fell in straight sets 6-2 6-1.
The first doubles team of senior captain Emily Zhang and junior Megan Landers were swept in two sets 6-3, 6-3.
The match was decided at second doubles. Unfortunately juniors Alexa Galuppo and Kylie Scher suffered a hard luck three-set defeat 3-6, 6-2, 6-3.
After the match head Coach Matt Finn praised his three departing seniors. “This year Marissa, Aly and Emily have meant everything to the team. They were not only the leaders off the court, but they play the game exactly how any coach would want. Having such a big team, there is no way this year would have been a success without them.”
Finn went on to say, “We will miss their play obviously, but their leadership will be missed next year as well. I’m lucky to have had four years being their coach; they are wonderful kids who are off to do great things!”
