Published in the May 3, 2017 edition
REVENGE was sweet for Sarah Mezini who defeated her M-E opponent, Chanel Bullock, 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 at first singles in a re-match of the 2016 North Sectional final last week. (Maureen Doherty Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The girls’ tennis team remains undefeated after winning two matches last week.
The Pioneers (4-0) began last week defeating North Reading 3-2 April 28.
Senior captain Camie Foley moved up to first singles because senior captain Sarah Mezini was not available to play the match. Foley defeated her counterpart in straight sets, 6-1, 6-2.
Senior captain Katie Nevils defeated her second singles counterpart in two sets, 6-4, 6-1.
“Foley and Nevils played up from their normal spots to meet the challenge,” said Pioneers’ head coach Craig Stone. “Both players exhibited an outstanding display of offense and defense to keep their opponents at bay.”
Sophomore Alexa Vittiglio lost her third singles match in two sets, 2-6, 3-6.
HORNET opponents were swatted by Katie Nevils last week. Against North Reading, she prevailed 6-4, 6-1 at second singles. Versus Manchester-Essex, she won 6-1, 6-4 playing third singles. (Maureen Doherty Photo)
“Vittiglio, a sophomore, made her singles debut,” said Stone. “She extended many rallies, but was unable to defeat a more experienced opponent.”
Senior captain Katie Nugent and senior Allison Carey defeated their first doubles opponents in two sets, 6-3, 6-2.
“First doubles struggled in the first set, but seemed to gain command at 3-3 and never looked back,” said Stone.
The second doubles tandem of seniors Rachel Strout and Laura Mucci lost their match in two sets, 6-8 (8), 3-6.
“Second doubles battled a lack of consistency, but also exhibited periods of top play that is promising for both players down the road,” said Stone.
Stone said he was thrilled the Pioneers were able to pull out a hard-fought victory over North Reading.
“It is always a great match with North Reading, and today was no exception,” said Stone. “I’m pleased we could come away with the win despite being shorthanded, and I am very excited about our level of play.”
Manchester match suspended
The Pioneers’ match against Manchester-Essex on April 26 was “suspended due to darkness.” The match is currently tied 2-2 and the Hornets will be returning to Lynnfield on Tuesday, May 9 to finish the second doubles match.
Mezini returned to the court and won her two-hour 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.
“In a re-match of the 2016 North Sectional final, Mezini turned the tables and defeated Chanel Bullock this time,” said Stone. “Lots of long rallies. Mezini forced play with her attacking style, while Bullock played defense keeping a lot of balls in play. Made for a very interesting match to watch. Mezini seemed to will her way to victory in the third set.”
Foley lost her second singles match in three sets, which also lasted over two hours. After winning the first set 7-6, she lost the second set 3-6 and the third set 2-6.
“Foley played a similar match against Chanel’s sister, Christina,” said Stone. “There were lots of peaks and valleys in the match for both players, with Foley being the aggressor and Bullock trying to extend points.”
Nevils won her third singles match in two sets, 6-1, 6-4.
“Nevils was in control the entire first set, then was down 1-4 in the second before winning five games in a row,” said Stone. “Nevils continues to improve each match out, to the delight of her coach and teammates.”
Nugent and Carey lost their first doubles match in two sets. The duo lost the first set 4-6, won the second set 6-3 and fell 2-6 during the third set.
In second doubles, Mucci and Vittiglio won their first set 6-4. The second set was tied 5-5 when the match was suspended.
“They will pick up the match on May 9, with the team win in the balance as well as a possible Cape Ann League championship,” said Stone.
Stone commended the Pioneers’ performance against Manchester-Essex.
“It was just another typical Lynnfield and Manchester match with every position evenly contested,” said Stone. “We need to play more matches like this one to improve as a team and ready ourselves for post-season play.”
Defeat Amesbury
The Pioneers concluded last week defeating Amesbury 5-0 on April 28.
Mezini won her first singles match in straight sets, 6-2, 6-0. Foley won her second singles match in two sets, 6-0, 6-1. Nevils won her third singles match in straight sets, 6-1, 6-1.
Nugent and Carey defeated their first doubles opponents in two sets, 6-3, 6-3.
The second doubles tandem of Rachel Strout and junior Makayla Maffeo won their match in three sets. After dropping the first set 3-6 they won the second and third sets 6-4 and 6-3, respectively.
“There was no let down after the Manchester match as first singles, second singles, third singles and first doubles won straight set matches,” said Stone.
“Second doubles was the only contested match, with senior Rachel Strout teaming with junior Makayla Maffeo, who was making her varsity debut. The Pioneer tandem looked a little shaky in the first set, but then settled down to win the next two sets,” he said.
