SOPHOMORE Lily Alves defeated her second singles opponent in two sets during the girls’ tennis team’s 4-1 victory over Ipswich on April 10. (Jamie Hayman Photo)

 

After press time: Lynnfield falls to Hamilton-Wenham 5-0 (April 29)

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — The girls’ tennis team opened the 2024 season with a win and a loss last week.

The Pioneers (1-1) defeated Ipswich 4-1 on April 10.

Captain Paige Martino dispatched her first singles opponent in two sets, 6-2, 6-4.

“It was offense versus defense at first singles, with Paige controlling most of the points on offense,” said Pioneers head coach Craig Stone.

Sophomore Lily Alves won her second singles match in straight sets, 6-1, 6-1.

“Lily combined both offense and defense in her straight set win,” said Stone.

Senior captain Maddie Sieve earned a decisive victory during third singles, prevailing 6-1, 6-1.

“Maddie worked her way into a comfortable rhythm and controlled most of the action,” said Stone.

Sophomore Vicky McCrann and freshman Emma Wagon won their second doubles in two sets, 6-3, 6-4.

“Vicky and Emma picked up their first win as a team, and Emma grabbed her first varsity win,” said Stone.  “They led both sets all the way, but the Ipswich tandem kept the match close.”

Senior captain Leticia Marafon and junior Ella Hayman lost their first doubles match in two sets, 6-7, 5-7.

Stone commended the Pioneers’ performance against the Tigers.

“It was a good quality win,” said Stone. “Ipswich has been in state tournament play the last few years and will return again this year. Getting that first win helps to set the tone for future matches, and is always a motivational boost.”

Clipped by Newburyport

The Pioneers were edged 3-2 by Newburyport on April 9.

Martino won her first singles match in two sets, 6-4, 6-2.

“Paige fell behind early, but quickly asserted herself by hitting heavy topspin balls from the baseline, which unsteadied her opponent,” said Stone.

Alves won a three-set victory during second singles. She won the first set 6-3, lost the second set 4-6 and won the third set tiebreaker 6-3.   

“Lily made her debut at singles a successful one with a two-hour, three-set win,” said Stone. “She had played doubles last year.”

Sieve lost her third singles match in straight sets, 2-6, 4-6.

Marafon and Hayman came up short during first doubles, falling 3-6, 1-6.

McCrann and Wagon dropped their second doubles match in two sets, 2-6, 0-6.

Stone noted that the Newburyport match was played at the new Lynnfield High School tennis courts.

“It would have been nice to get a win, but losing to a team who had just won back-to-back Division 3 state championships 3-2 bodes well for further success down the road,” said Stone.

Upcoming matches

Lynnfield hosts Bishop Fenwick on Monday, April 22, beginning at 3:30 p.m. The Pioneers host North Reading on Wednesday, April 24, beginning at 4 p.m.

The Pioneers host Pentucket on Thursday, April 25, beginning at 3:30 p.m.