Published May 26, 2021
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The girls’ tennis team went 2-1 last week, which improved the Pioneers’ overall record this season to 5-1.
The Pioneers edged Hamilton-Wenham 3-2 on Monday, May 17.
Senior captain Emma Gallucci lost her first singles match to Sky Jara, a United States Tennis Association-ranked player, in two sets, 1-6, 4-6.
“It was a great match to watch as the two exchanged heavy topspin balls and ran each other all over the court,” said Pioneers head coach Craig Stone.
Senior Ava Buonfiglio won a thrilling three-set second singles match. After winning the first set 7-5, Buonfiglio lost the second set 5-7. Buonfiglio bounced back and won the third set 6-3.
“With the team match tied 2-2, Ava battled for three hours and picked up the third team point,” said Stone. “Ava, who also played volleyball and basketball this season, used her athletic ability, all court skills and intensely competitive spirit and just seemed to outwill and outplay her opponent in that final set.”
Junior Anna Radulski won her third singles match in straight sets, 6-0, 6-2.
“Anna totally controlled play with her pace and direction,” said Stone.
Senior Emily Goguen and junior Lauren Grava earned a hard-fought first doubles victory in three sets. Goguen and Grava won the first set 6-3, lost the second set 1-6 and prevailed 6-4 during the final set.
“Emily and Lauren had a seesaw match at first doubles by winning the first set and dropping the second,” said Stone. “With their match tied at 4-4 in the third set, Emily and Lauren won the last two games to get the win.”
Sophomore Genna Gioioso and senior Gabi Mellor lost their second doubles match in two sets, 4-6, 2-6.
Stone said the Pioneers’ contest against the Generals was a “competitive match from top to bottom.”
“This match could have gone either way and may have not turned out this way earlier in the season,” said Stone. “I am pleased with how far we have come with our skills and mental toughness this season. Putting five new varsity players into the starting lineup has been a challenge, and they all seem to be rising to the occasion.”
Clipped by Newburyport
The Pioneers fell 4-1 to Newburyport on Wednesday, May 19.
Radulski was able to secure a third singles victory in two sets, 6-4, 6-4.
“Anna picked up the lone Pioneer win with a 6-4 first set battle,” said Stone. “She was down 1-4 in the second before running off five consecutive games for the win.”
Gallucci lost her first singles match to USTA-ranked Caroline Schulson in straight sets, 2-6, 0-6.
Buonfiglio came up short in two sets, 4-6, 3-6, during second singles.
Goguen and Grava dropped their first doubles match in two sets, 0-6, 0-6.
During second doubles, Gioioso and Mellor came up short in two sets, 5-7, 2-6.
“Newburyport just seemed to do everything just a little bit better,” said Stone. “Hopefully, when we see them at home next week it will be a different outcome. We definitely have the three-point potential to get the win.”
Defeats Pentucket
The Pioneers bounced back and defeated Pentucket 4-1 on Friday, May 21.
Gallucci gave a valiant effort during first singles, but came up short against USTA ranked Olivia Colby in three sets. After losing the first set 4-6, Gallucci bounced back and defeated Colby 6-2 during the second set. Gallucci fell 3-6 during the third set tiebreaker.
“Emma held her own and almost came up with the win,” said Stone.
Buonfiglio won her second singles match in two sets, 6-4, 7-6.
“Ava had another closely contested match, but she just seems to will her way to victory in the end,” said Stone.
Radulski cruised to an easy victory during third singles, prevailing 6-2, 6-0.
“Anna breezed through third singles to remain unbeaten at 6-0,” said Stone.
Goguen and Grava won their first doubles match in two sets, 6-3, 6-3.
Gioioso and Mellor pulled out a two-set victory during second doubles, prevailing 6-4, 6-4.
“Emily and Lauren and Gabi and Genna both turned things around after their Newburyport loss,” said Stone.
Stone said the Pioneers have steadily improved after each match this season.
“Each match is a growing experience for our team,” said Stone. “They are responding well to all challenges and adversity and using those teachable moments to be more successful each time out.”
Upcoming matches
The Pioneers host Newburyport on Wednesday, May 26, beginning at 3:30 p.m. Lynnfield hosts Ipswich on Friday, May 28, beginning at 4:30 p.m. The Pioneers travel to Amesbury o Monday, beginning at 10 a.m.