Netwomen conquer Generals, Vikings

Published May 8, 2019

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — The girls’ tennis team won all three of its matches last week, improving the Pioneers’ overall record to 6-0.

The Pioneers began last week defeating Hamilton-Wenham 5-0 on April 29.

Sophomore Megan Nevils earned a hard-fought three-set victory during first singles. After dropping the first set 2-6, Nevils bounced back and won the second set 6-4 and prevailed 10-8 during the third set.

Senior captain Alexa Vittiglio defeated her second singles opponent in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3.

Junior Claire Yang cruised to a two-set victory during third singles, 6-1, 6-4.

Sophomore Emma Gallucci and junior Gillian Skelley won their first doubles match in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2.

Senior captain Grace Sokop and freshman Anna Radulski dismantled their second doubles opponents in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0.

Pioneers head coach Craig Stone praised the Pioneers’ performance against the Generals.

“We were playing catch-up due to the inclement weather,” said Stone. “Fortunately, we have the depth and talent to match the challenge.”

Defeats Triton

The Pioneers kept rolling and defeated Triton 5-0 on April 30.

Nevils won her first singles match in two sets, 6-0, 6-2.

Vittiglio cruised to a two-set victory during second singles, prevailing 6-0, 6-3.

Gallucci pulled out a decisive victory during third singles, 6-0, 6-3.

“All three singles swept in straight sets,” said Stone. “Vittiglio lost the first three games but won the next 12.”

Skelley and Radulski won their first doubles match in three sets. They won the first set 6-3, lost the second set 2-6 and prevailed 7-5 during the third set.

“The first doubles team of Radulski and Skelley struggled with their unorthodox opponents and were actually down 1-4 in the third set before winning the next five games and the match,” said Stone.

The second doubles tandem featuring Sokop and junior Elena Moisidis won their match in straight sets, 6-1, 6-0.

“Sokop and Moisidis were in complete control from the beginning,” said Stone.

Stone said the Pioneers played very well against Triton.

“We added some new faces in the starting lineup and were able to sweep,” said Stone. “We have some team depth and are able to reach deep into our talent reservoir of players and still find success.”

Holds off Amesbury

The Pioneers concluded last week defeating Amesbury 3-2 on May 1.

Nevils pulled out a three-set victory during first singles. After dropping the first set 3-6, Nevils bounced back and won the second set 6-1 and prevailed 6-2 during the third set.

Vittiglio earned a hard-fought victory during second singles, prevailing 7-5, 6-1.

Yang lost her third singles match in two sets, 4-6, 3-6. The match lasted two hours.

Skelley and Gallucci came out on top of their first doubles match in straight sets, 6-4, 6-0.

In first doubles, Moisidis and junior Celeste Joly lost their match in two sets, 5-7, 3-6.

Stone said the Pioneers played well against a tough Amesbury team.

“It was a very competitive team match from first singles to second doubles,” said Stone. “We survived three matches in three days with three wins.”