Published in the April 13, 2016 edition
JUNIOR Katie Nugent defeated her third singles counterpart in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0 during the Pioneers’ 5-0 victory over Ipswich April 8 (Dan Tomasello File Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The girls’ tennis team earned its first victory of the season last week.
The Pioneers defeated Ipswich 5-0 April 8. Lynnfield was missing some of its starters due to the Best Buddies prom and a school chorus trip.
Senior captain Amanda Stelman, who is making the transition from second doubles to third singles this season, started at first singles against the Tigers. Stelman overcame some first set jitters to defeat her counterpart in two sets, 6-4, 6-0.
Junior Camie Foley started at second singles and cruised past her opponent in two sets, 6-0, 6-4. Pioneers head coach Craig Stone said Foley rallied from a 1-4 deficit in the second set to win “five straight games for the win.”
Junior Katie Nugent defeated her third singles counterpart in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0.
“(Nugent) ran the table, winning 12 straight games,” said Stone.
Senior Haley Timmons and junior Allison Carey won their first doubles match in two sets, 6-2, 7-5. Stone said Timmons and Carey “dominated the first set” and pulled out a hard fought victory during the second set.
Seniors Ally D’Amico and Marianna Theophiles won their first varsity match after the second doubles team cruised past their Ipswich opponents in two sets, 6-3, 6-2. Stone said D’Amico and Theophiles led the match “from start to finish.”
Stone commended the Pioneers’ performance against the Tigers.
“We were missing some key players due to a prom and a school chorus trip,” said Stone. “It’s always nice to start the season with a win. We also had an opportunity to showcase our team depth.”
Upcoming matches
The Pioneers hosted North Reading in a rematch of last year’s Division 3 North finals on Monday, April 11, taking place after deadline. Lynnfield travels to Amesbury on Wednesday, April 13, beginning at 3:30 p.m. The Pioneers will compete in the Cape Ann League Open on Saturday, April 16, beginning at 9 a.m. at Ipswich High School.
