Published in the May 30, 2018 edition
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The girls’ tennis team won its only match last week, improving the Pioneers’ record this season to 13-3.
The Pioneers defeated Pentucket 4-1 on May 21.
Freshman Megan Nevils cruised past her first singles opponent in straight sets, 6-0, 6-2.
“Nevils was in command from start to finish,” said Pioneers head coach Craig Stone. “She continued to combine athleticism and shot making to frustrate another opponent.”
Captain Alexa Vittiglio defeated her second singles opponent in three sets. After losing the first set 4-6, Vittiglio won sets two and three 7-6 (1) and 10-4 respectively.
“Vittiglio battled again in another two-hour marathon,” said Stone.
Senior Bela Ferreira won her third singles match in two sets, 6-0, 6-4.
“Ferreira was back in action after nursing a muscle pull and won in straight sets,” said Stone.
CAPTAIN Alexa Vittiglio’s second singles victory enabled the girls’ tennis team to defeat Bishop Fenwick 3-2 on May 18. (Dan Tomasello Photo)
The first doubles team featuring sophomore Gillian Skelley and freshman Emma Gallucci won their match in two sets, 6-1, 7-5.
“First doubles raced out of the blocks with a quick first set win, but fell asleep for awhile in the second,” said Stone. “They were down 2-5, but won the next five games.”
Senior captains Christina Albano and Makayla Maffeo lost their second doubles match in three sets. Albano and Maffeo lost the first set 4-6, won the second set 7-5 and fell 7-10 during the third set.
Stone commended the Pioneers’ performance against the Sachems, particularly Albano and Maffeo.
“It’s nice to get a team win on Senior Day,” said Stone. “I was glad that I could put the senior co-captains together at second doubles for their debut as partners. I just wish they could have pulled out that super tiebreaker.”
Doubles Tournament
Skelley and Gallucci competed in the North Sectional Individuals Doubles Tournament at Lexington High School on May 26.
The first doubles tandem’s quarterfinals match against Winchester’s Taylor Kenrich and Lauren Chilton was suspended due to rain on May 19.
When the match resumed, Winchester took an early 5-4 lead before Skelley and Gallucci rallied and tied the match 6-6, forcing a tiebreaker. Skelley and Gallucci lost the tiebreaker 1-7.
Stone praised Skelley and Gallucci’s performance in the Individual Doubles Tournament.
“Just reaching the quarterfinals is an outstanding achievement as the tournament began with over 50 doubles teams,” said Stone. “They have played well all season, reaching the quarterfinals and getting that recognition is well deserved. With Gillian being a sophomore and Emma a freshman means they have great futures ahead, which also bodes well for our team.”
