Published in the April 6, 2017 edition

By DAN NUNN

NORTH READING —With their entire lineup returning from last season, the two-time defending Cape Ann League Kinney Division champion Hornets have high expectations for the 2017 girls’ tennis season.

“We are coming into this season with big goals. We’ve had a few great seasons with this core of players, and the bar is only set higher this year,” said Matt Finn, their enthusiastic head coach.

The entire lineup is yet to be determined but senior captain Marissa Galuppo is locked in at first singles. Coach Finn said, “Marissa has played first singles for us since her freshman year. Her variety of skills, experience and ability to dictate how a match is going to be played make her one of the strongest players in our league.”

Senior captain Aly Budny and junior Tia Campagna, who have combined to win the most matches over the last two seasons, will compete for the second and third singles position along with junior Megan Griffin.

Junior Megan Landers, who improved her game in the offseason, will play at first doubles. Senior captain Emily Zhang, juniors Kylie Scher and Alexa Galuppo, and sophomore Kim Bockley will compete for playing time in the doubles lineup.

The CAL should be more competitive than last year, but as always the powerhouse Lynnfield Pioneers will be the Hornets’ toughest opponent. But with so much experience Finn believes his team can hold their own against the Pioneers. “Lynnfield still has a great team and will have a lot of success this year, but we are at the same level. In years’ past they have had an edge in experience, but this year we our coming in as veterans, so that advantage is gone.”

Coach Finn clearly believes in his team. “While there are many strong programs in Division 3, we believe that our experience this year will keep us near the top. We believe we can beat any team out there this year,” he said.

Upcoming games

The team’s season opener against Marblehead was to be held after press time at home on Wednesday, April 5. They will host another non-league game against Bishop Fenwick on Thursday, April 20 at 2 p.m. at the NRHS courts. The league-opener is scheduled against Hamilton-Wenham at home on Friday, April 21 at 10 a.m.