Published in the April 27, 2016 edition
SENIOR CAPTAIN Olivia Skelley defeated her Pentucket first singles counterpart in two sets, 6-1 and 7-5 April 20. (Dan Tomasello File Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The girls’ tennis team compiled a 1-1 record last week despite being short-handed because of school vacation.
The Pioneers (4-1) defeated Pentucket 3-2, April 20.
Senior captain Olivia Skelley switched from first doubles to first singles and won the match in two sets, 6-1, 7-5.
“Skelley picked up the third point on her fifth match point of the second set, winning the match in straight sets at first singles,” said Pioneers head coach Craig Stone. “Skelley had only played in two previous singles matches in her entire career before this week, winning once as a freshman and once as a junior. Making the transition to singles is still not an easy task. Especially, making the jump from first doubles to first singles but her steady play, passing shots and athletic ability more than made up for any lack of singles experience.”
Senior captain Amanda Stelman lost her second singles match in two sets, 1-6, 5-7.
Junior Camie Foley lost her third singles match in two sets, 2-6, 4-6.
The Pioneers won both of its doubles matches. The first doubles team featuring junior Allison Carey and senior Hayley Timmons won their match in two sets, 6-2, 6-2.
The second doubles team featuring seniors Mariana Theophiles and Nicole Davie won their first match as a duo in two sets, 6-1, 6-4.
“Theophiles and Davie paired together for the first time and got the win at second doubles,” said Stone. “It was Davie’s first varsity career win as well.”
Stone commended the Pioneers’ performance against the Sachems despite being short-handed.
“Pentucket put out a solid team from top to bottom,” said Stone. “Fortunately our depth and talent level at doubles was deeper than theirs and that combined with an outstanding performance from Olivia at first singles was enough for the win.”
Stung by Hornets
The Pioneers began last week falling 4-1 to archrival Manchester-Essex April 18.
Skelley lost her first singles match in two sets, 0-6, 2-6. Stelman lost her second singles match in two sets, 1-6, 1-6.
Foley won her third singles match in two sets, 6-1, 6-1.
“Foley picked up her second singles win of the season, but both Skelley and Stelman found the going tough with the very talented Bullock sisters,” said Stone.
Carey and Theophiles lost their first doubles match in two sets, 4-6, 4-6.
In second doubles, Davie and senior Jocelyn Wang lost their match in three sets in a tough two-hour long match. After Davie and Wang won the first set 6-4, the second doubles duo lost their second and third sets 4-6 and 2-6 respectively.
Stone said both doubles teams’ gave a valiant effort against the Hornets.
“Doubles were in it from start to finish even though both teams were making their varsity debuts together as doubles teammates,” said Stone.
Stone commended the Pioneers’ performance against Manchester-Essex.
“We found ourselves short-handed over vacation between the school trip, college visits and family vacations, but we still almost pulled it out,” said Stone. “Obviously playing without four varsity starters was a little daunting but others had the opportunity to step up and get valuable experience and had an opportunity to contribute.”
Upcoming matches
The Pioneers hosted Masconomet on Tuesday, April 26, beginning at 3:30 p.m. Lynnfield travels to Hamilton-Wenham on Wednesday, April 27, beginning at 3:30 p.m. The locals travel to Swampscott on Tuesday, May 3, beginning at 3:30 p.m.
