Published in the June 22, 2016 edition
JUNIOR Sarah Mezini was the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award and was recognized for being named Cape Ann League Player of the Year for the second straight year at the Pioneers’ end of the season banquet last week. She also was named as a captain for the 2017 season. (John Friberg Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The girls’ tennis team celebrated a great season at the Pioneers’ end of the season banquet last week.
The Pioneers concluded the 2016 season with an overall record of 19-2. Lynnfield won its third straight Division 3 North Sectional Championship. The graduating seniors had a 71-6 match win-loss record over the past four years and also won the 2014 Division 3 State Championship.
Lynnfield head coach Craig Stone presented team awards to 12 members of the Pioneers. Senior captain Olivia Skelley received the Contributed Most Award. Senior captain Amanda Stelman was the recipient of the Lynnfield Athletic Association (LAA) Scholar Athlete Award. Junior Sarah Mezini was recognized for being named Cape Ann League Player of the Year and also received the Outstanding Achievement Award.
Junior Katie Nevils received the Outstanding Achievement Award. Senior Hayley Timmons won the Coaches Award. Junior Katie Nugent received the Unsung Heroine Award. Junior Camie Foley was the recipient of the Most Improved Award.
Stone also presented Team Spirit Awards to seniors Kristina Cushing, Ally D’Amico, Nicole Davie, Mariana Theophiles and Joycelyn Wang.
Mezini, Foley, Nevils, Nugent, Skelley and Timmons were recognized during the banquet for being named Cape Ann League All-League players this season.
Stone said he’s thrilled Mezini was named CAL Player of the Year for the second straight year.
“Sarah becomes only the second player in the history of Lynnfield tennis to be named CAL Player of the Year for the second time,” said Stone. “Sarah O’Neil did it in 2007 and 2009. Sarah Mezini is an outstanding player, with a strong all-round game. She plays at a level well above most of her opponents and has the potential of improving even more.”
Stone said he’s pleased Nevils was honored by the CAL for the second time.
“Making the transition from a singles player to a doubles player is not an easy one, yet Katie made it look that way,” said Stone. “She combines her steady play with a strong competitive attitude, which has proven to be a very successful combination.”
Stone said it’s well deserved the first doubles tandem of Skelley and Foley were recognized by the CAL.
“Olivia has become one of the most successful doubles players Lynnfield has ever seen,” said Stone. “Being an All-League player in four consecutive years with four different partners is an outstanding achievement and is a tribute to her overall skill on the court and her compatible personality. Camie is one of the most improved players on the team this year. She broke into the starting line up late last year and has never released it. She is very athletic, has great reflexes at the net and strong ground strokes.”
Stone also said he’s pleased the CAL honored the second doubles tandem of Timmons and Nugent.
“A spot starter from last year, Hayley is also much improved,” said Stone. “Hayley posses a strong serve and a great volley and overhead game and likes to pound her ground strokes. Katie also broke into the starting line-up, with Camie, late last year and has become a mainstay in 2016. Katie is another player with a strong all-round game.”
Stone presented sub-varsity certificates to freshmen Juliana DiCorato, Nina Dunn, Tayah Mower, Bria Parziale, Jenna Robbins, Emma Rocco, Grace Sokop and Daphne Terris. The sophomores who received sub-varsity certificates were Christina Albano, Makayla Maffeo and Amanda Motzkin.
The juniors who received sub-varsity certificates were Danielle Douglas, Rebecca Albanese and Rachel Collins.
In addition to the sub-varsity certificates, Stone presented varsity letters during the ceremony. Freshman Alexa Vittiglio received varsity letters along with Mezini, Foley, Nevils, Nugent, Allison Carey, Laura Mucci and Rachel Strout. The seniors who received varsity letters were Cushing, D’Amico, Davie, Skelley, Stelman, Theophiles, Timmons and Wang.
Mezini, Nevils, Foley and Nugent were elected captains for the 2017 season.
