Warriors blank Melrose in Freedom division opener

JENNA MELLO, a senior captain, posted a 6-0, 6-0 win at third singles in Wakefield’s 5-0 victory over Melrose yesterday afternoon at MHS. (Donna Larsson File Photo)

JENNA MELLO, a senior captain, posted a 6-0, 6-0 win at third singles in Wakefield’s 5-0 victory over Melrose yesterday afternoon at MHS. (Donna Larsson File Photo)

Published in the April 25, 2017 edition.

MELROSE — The Wakefield Memorial High girls’ tennis team faced its first Middlesex League Freedom division foe of the season and the results were quite favorable as the Warriors blanked Melrose by a 5-0 tally yesterday afternoon at Melrose High School.

It was Wakefield’s first victory of the season after the Warriors went 0-3 against teams from the M.L. Liberty division.

The toughest match of the day was at first singles where senior captain Abby Chapman took on Olivia Zhbatis. Chapman won a hard fought first set by a 7-5 tally. The senior then prevailed, 6-2, for the point.

Second and third singles proved to be much easier for the Warriors as both matches ended 6-0, 6-0 in Wakefield’s favor. At second singles, junior Haley Tanner defeated Julia McLaughlin. At third singles, senior captain Jenna Mello beat Melrose’s third singles player.

Laura McGovern and Caroline Hurley, a junior and a sophomore, were teamed at first doubles. They took on the Red Raider tandem of Catherine and Colleen Denning. McGovern and Hurley posted a 6-1, 6-2 triumph.

At second doubles, juniors Emily Roberts and Kelsey Callahan faced the Melrose duo of Hannah Brown and Helen Burtnett. Roberts and Callahan cruised to a 6-0, 6-1 triumph.

The Warriors are scheduled to take on Burlington tomorrow night at 6 p.m. at the Dobbins Courts, weather permitting. Also, Wakefield’s postponed match against Stoneham will be made up on Wednesday, May 24 at 3:45 p.m. at the Dobbins Courts.