SENIOR CAPTAIN Genna Gioioso defeated her second singles counterpart during the girls’ tennis team’s 3-2 loss to Bishop Fenwick on May 1. (Courtesy Photo)
Update post publication: Lynnfield defeats Trion 4-1 (May 10)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The girls’ tennis team concluded last week with a victory and two losses.
After beginning the week suffering two tough loses, the Pioneers (7-3) bounced back by defeating Ipswich 4-1 on May 5.
Sophomore Paige Martino earned a two-set victory during first singles, 6-2, 6-1.
Senior captain Genna Gioioso secured a two-set victory during second singles, prevailing 6-2, 6-0.
“Paige and Genna had little difficulty, as they led wire to wire,” said Pioneers head coach Craig Stone. “Both players have complete games, and can play offense and defense well.”
Captain Maddie Sieve won her third singles match in two sets, 6-3, 6-1.
“Maddie lost the first three games of the first set, but she then won 12 out of 12 games to get the win,” said Stone. “She continues to capitalize on her athleticism and mental toughness. She just seems to out tough her opponents.”
Junior Leticia Marafon and sophomore Ella Hayman won their first doubles match in straight sets, 7-5, 6-3.
“Leticia and Ella were up 5-2 in the first set and hung on for a 7-5 win,” said Stone. “The second set was tight from the beginning but at 3-2, Leticia and Ella pulled ahead for the win.”
Sophomore Ciara Long and freshman Vicky McCrann lost their second doubles match in two sets, 0-6, 1-6.
Stone said the Pioneers played very well against Ipswich.
“It was good to finish off the week with a win after two tough loses earlier in the week,” said Stone. “We are beginning to become more conscious of what is necessary to win, and our execution is improving each time out.”
Edged by Bishop Fenwick
The Pioneers began last week being edged 3-2 by Bishop Fenwick on May 1.
Martino won her first singles match in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6.
Gioioso secured a straight set victory during second singles, prevailing 7-6, 6-1.
“Paige and Genna both survived tiebreakers, which was to their advantage in winning both matches,” said Stone.
Sieve lost her third singles match in two sets, 4-6, 2-6.
Marafon and freshman Lily Alves lost their first doubles match in two sets, 5-7, 3-6.
Hayman and McCrann came up short in their second doubles match in two sets, 5-7, 3-6.
Stone recalled that Bishop Fenwick returned its entire lineup from last year.
“The matches were very competitive from top to bottom,” said Stone. “We train, we compete and we get feedback. Lessons were learned today. They will prove beneficial in the future.”
Clipped by Newburyport again
The Pioneers fell 5-0 to Newburyport on May 3.
Martino lost her first singles match in straight sets, 2-6, 0-6.
Gioioso dropped her second singles match in two sets, 2-6, 3-6.
Sieve lost a hard fought third singles match in three sets. After winning the first set 6-3, Sieve lost the second set 1-6 and fell 9-11 in a tiebreaker during the third set.
Marafon and Alves lost their first doubles match in three sets. Marafon and Alves prevailed 6-2 during the first set. They lost the second set 3-6 and fell 7-10 during the third set tiebreaker.
Hayman and McCrann lost their second doubles match in two sets, 0-6, 0-6.
Stone commended the Pioneers’ performance against Newburyport, which defeated Lynnfield earlier this season.
“It’s ironic to say we played well and lost, but everyone upped their game from the first time we faced last year’s Division 3 state champs, and rebounded well from the previous loss to Bishop Fenwick,” said Stone. “To quote Van Morrison, ‘In order to win, sometimes you have to lose.’”
Upcoming matches
Lynnfield travels to Triton on Wednesday, May 10, taking place at 4:30 p.m. The Pioneers host Hamilton-Wenham on Thursday, May 11 at 3:30 p.m. Lynnfield travels to rival North Reading on Monday, May 15, beginning at 4 p.m.
