Published in the May 17, 2017 edition
SENIOR CAPTAIN Camie Foley defeated her second singles counterpart in two sets, 6-1, 6-1, during the Pioneers’ 5-0 victory over Triton 5-0 May 11. (John Friberg Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The girls’ tennis team is headed back to the Division 3 North state tournament for the 35th straight year after the Pioneers went 2-1 last week.
The Pioneers (9-1) began last week crushing Hamilton-Wenham 5-0 in a windy and cold match May 8.
Senior captain Sarah Mezini dismantled her first singles opponent in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0. Senior captain Camie Foley defeated her second singles counterpart in two sets, 6-3. 6-3. Senior captain Katie Nevils defeated her third singles opponent in two sets, 6-1, 6-0.
“Mezini and Nevils were at the top of their game,” said Pioneers head coach Craig Stone. “Second singles was the best singles match. Foley continues to impress by making the transition from first doubles last year to a solid singles player with an all court game.”
The first doubles tandem of senior captain Katie Nugent and senior Allison Carey won their match in two sets, 6-1, 6-1. The second doubles duo of senior Laura Mucci and sophomore Alexa Vittiglio won their match in straight sets, 6-1, 6-0.
“First doubles led from start to finish,” said Stone “Second doubles were tied at 1-1 in the first set, than ran off 11 consecutive games.”
Stone said he was pleased with the Pioneers’ win over Hamilton-Wenham.
“We opened the season with a non-league match at Hamilton-Wenham,” said Stone. “Although the team result was similar, I was glad to have the re-match, as it gives me an opportunity to gage progress and lets the players note their own improvement.”
Loss to Manchester
The Pioneers fell 3-2 to Manchester-Essex May 9. The match was held earlier this year, but was suspended due to darkness with the Pioneers and Hornets tied 2-2.
Mucci and Vittiglio lost their second doubles match in two sets. After winning the first set 6-4, they lost the second and third sets 5-7 and 1-6, respectively.
“(Second doubles) had trouble getting started, and were unable to capitalize on opportunities,” said Stone. “It was a good experience for both first year starters, which will benefit them and the team later in the season.”
Stone noted four out of five matches went to three sets.
Mezini won her first singles match in three sets. She won the first set 6-2, lost the second set 2-6 and prevailed 7-5 during the third set.
Foley lost her second singles match in three sets, which lasted over two hours. After winning the first set 7-6, Foley lost the second set 3-6 and the third set 2-6.
Nevils won her third singles match in two sets, 6-1, 6-4.
Nugent and Carey lost their first doubles match in three sets. The duo lost the first set 4-6, won the second set 6-3 and fell 2-6 during the third set.
Defeats Triton
The Pioneers concluded last week defeating Triton 5-0 May 11.
Mezini won her first singles match in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0. Foley defeated her second singles counterpart in two sets, 6-1, 6-1. Nevils pulled out a two set victory, 6-1, 6-1, during third singles.
“The singles players dominated from the first point to the last,” said Stone.
In first doubles, Nugent and Carey won their match in two sets, 6-2, 6-0.
Mucci and Vittiglio won their second doubles match in three sets. They won the first set 6-4, fell 3-6 during the second set and pulled out a 6-3 victory during the third set.
“Second doubles was the most competitive match of the day,” said Stone. “Contrasting styles with Lynnfield, forcing play at the net and the Triton tandem playing both back on serve and return of serve made for an interesting match. The first doubles team was tied at 1-1 in the first set, then won all 11 of the next games.”
