After 1st round win, Melrose (10-3) bows out to Masco
Published June 25, 2021
By JENNIFER GENTILE
BOXFORD, MA—The Melrose High girls’ tennis team ended their league-winning season with a gripping 3-2 loss against an undefeated Masconomet team, who was pushed to a 3-2 victory thanks to some great work from Melrose tennis players. Despite the effort, Melrose ends their season a fantastic 10-3, one of their best records on date. The 2021 Middlesex Freedom League champs can’t hang their head after going toe-to-toe against an undefeated juggernaut and earning their first league title since 2012.
Previously, Melrose had picked up an opening-round home win over Boston Latin Academy, 5-0, on June 17 in the opening round of the Div. 2 North tournament. In that set, Melrose saw victories from Emma Miller in first singles, Ruby Robicheau in second singles, and Jacqueline Brady in third singles. Melrose also counted on strong wins in doubles courtesy of Ava Picone and Mackenzie Donovan, and took a win also with the solid partner pairing of Dara Casey and Haley Smith in second doubles.
Melrose got a little creative with the lineup with the absence of senior captain Grace Sanderson in first singles, but the team adjusted well enough for victory. Says Melrose head coach Lydia Mays, “With Grace Sanderson away we needed to switch up the order but everyone played well and even though our team and Boston Latin Academy were pretty evenly matched we won in straight sets. The matches were fun to watch because we were pretty evenly matched. We had a little more experience and I think that is what helped us win.”
Sanderson returned against an undefeated Masconomet team on Monday and helped Melrose put a scare into the Chieftains. At 13-0 and ranked the #3 seed, Masco had this Melrose team faced against a tall order. But Melrose persevered enough to make it a very close match, falling just 3-2.
“It was a great match,” said Mays. “We had a chance to win but couldn’t pull it out.”
Representing Melrose in first singles was Grace Sanderson, Emma Miller in second singles, and Ruby Robicheau in third singles. Melrose was represented in pairings with 1st doubles by Ava Picone and Mackenzie Donovan and Emily Chow and Jacqueline Brady in second doubles.
“Grace and Ruby won in close matches,” reports Mays. “We didn’t have our normal second doubles team but Emily and Jacqueline played well for being thrown together at the last minute. Emma fought very hard but lost in a devastating 3 set match.”
Despite the loss, Melrose will cherish their championship year. It’s only the second time (ever!) and first since 2012 that the team has won a league title. As a first year coach, Mays is thrilled. “I’m so proud of my players. They showed so much strength, determination, and perseverance this year. I was so lucky to have this group of girls during my first year coaching and I am excited for what is to come in the future.”
And she takes her hat off for the performances of her departing seniors, captains Emma Miller, Haley Smith, Grace Sanderson and seniors Annalise Catalini, Michaela Szymczak and Dara Casey. “My six seniors have been amazing. They all brought something different to the table but every person was an important part of the team. I can not say enough positive things about these athletes.”
Next year she hopes to see an extension on this year’s success. “I’m looking forward to a lot next season. I’m excited to build a program that is inclusive but also competitive. We have strong returning players, so I expect good things in our future.”
