Published in the April 6, 2016 edition
THE girls’ tennis team will be led by, from left, senior captain Amanda Stelman, head coach Craig Stone and senior captain Olivia Skelley this spring. (Dan Tomasello Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The girls’ tennis team is back on the court and is looking to win its third straight Division 3 North sectional championship this spring.
The Pioneers concluded the 2015 season with an overall record of 20-1. The locals steamrolled through the Division 3 North sectional tournament and won their second straight sectional title after defeating rival North Reading 5-0.
Lynnfield fell 3-2 to state champion Martha’s Vineyard in the Division 3 state semifinals, which ended the Pioneers’ quest to repeat as Division 3 state champs. The Pioneers’ loss to the Vineyarders also snapped Lynnfield’s 41-game winning streak.
Pioneers head coach Craig Stone said the squad is looking forward to the upcoming season.
“We are very optimistic about the upcoming season,” said Stone. “We will have to replace graduates Kelley Nevils (second singles), Izzy Figucia (third singles) and Rachel Maglio (second doubles), but fortunately return talented players that will hopefully fill the void. Our varsity team has eight seniors and five juniors at this time. We will be going with returning varsity players and filling in with experience juniors and seniors.”
Senior captains Olivia Skelley and Amanda Stelman will be leading the Pioneers this season.
“Both players are four-year members of the team, but neither lettered as freshmen, which demonstrates their dedication and commitment to ‘team tennis’ at Lynnfield High School,” said Stone.
Skelley will be playing first doubles once again.
“Olivia has been a varsity starter for the last three years, and is a two-time CAL All-League doubles player,” said Stone. “She has an all-round game, understands doubles strategy, and has a settling personality on the court that deals well with adversity.”
Stelman will be making the transition from second doubles to third singles this season.
“Amanda can easily make the transition to the singles court,” said Stone. “She has a powerful serve and forceful ground strokes, and is looking forward to this opportunity.”
Junior Sarah Mezini will be starting at first singles once again. Stone has high expectations for the junior sensation this spring.
“Sarah will be a force to be reckoned with,” said Stone. “She is one of the most talented players to ever play on a LHS team and will continue to raise her game another level this season. A CAL Player of the Year last year and a two-time CAL All League player at first singles, Sarah is capable of winning the point from anywhere on the court and should also make some noise at the State Individual Tournament as well.”
Junior Katie Nevils will be making the transition from first doubles to second singles this season, where she will succeed her sister Kelley.
“Katie will easily make the transition to singles,” said Stone. “She is athletic, competitive and has the skill level to compete.”
After finishing last season strong at second doubles, junior Camie Foley will be teaming up with Skelley at first doubles this spring.
“Camie came on strong toward the end of last year, and at this time seems to have raised her game another level,” said Stone
Stone said junior Katie Nugent, senior Haley Timmons and junior Allison Carey are “all in contention” to start at second doubles.
“Katie will continue her steady play and compliment any player that teams with her,” said Stone. “Haley and Allison are also much improved from last year and will see considerable more varsity play this season.”
According to Stone, seniors Marianna Theophiles, Ally D’Amico, Nicole Davie and Kristina Cushing “will also impact during the season.”
Stone said the Pioneers’ biggest strengths this season are “experience” and “competitive savvy.”
“We practice and play hard and are not easily discouraged,” said Stone.
When asked what the Pioneers need to work on this season, Stone commented, “Transitioning players from doubles play to singles, and the compatibility of two new doubles teams.”
Upcoming matches
The Pioneers host North Andover on Thursday, April 7, beginning at 3:30 p.m. The locals host Ipswich on Friday, April 8, beginning at 3:30 p.m.
Lynnfield hosts North Reading on Monday, April 11, beginning at 3:30 p.m. The Pioneers travel to Amesbury on Wednesday, April 13, beginning at 3:30 p.m.
